A 1961 album that features both vibe player Milt Jackson and saxophonist John Coltrane, Bags & Trane was recorded at a time when Coltrane was about to exit Atlantic for Impulse Records. For that reason this particular album has long been considered part of Milt Jackson’s catalogue, but there are compelling reasons for considering very much a joint effort. It was not the first album Coltrane had made as a co-leader (he recorded with Kenny Burrell in 1958, although this wasn’t released until 1963), nor would it be the last, but it is fairly safe to say that this was the strongest and satisfying of his joint albums. Milt Jackson is no slouch, as his work with everyone from Ray Charles to Wes Montgomery would confirm. Here both artists complement each other to perfection, with fine back up being provided by Hank Jones, Paul Chambers and Connie Kay.

1. Bags & Trane
2. Three Little Words
3. The Night We Called It A Day
4. Be-Bop
5. The Late Late Blues