John Coltrane and Kenny Burrell first played together in 1951 as members of the Dizzy Gillespie band. From 1956 to 1958 they would also participate on four albums together: Paul Chambers’ Whims of Chambers (Blue Note BLP-1534), Interplay for 2 trumpets and 2 tenors (Prestige 7112), Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane (Prestige/New Jazz NJLP- 8276), on which they were co-leaders, and the album presented here, The Cats (New Jazz NJLP- 8217). Originally issued under Tommy Flanagan’s name, The Cats features an outstanding sextet in long performances that leave room for all of the players to solo without restrictions. JOHN COLTRANE, tenor sax KENNY BURRELL, guitar IDREES SULIEMAN, trumpet TOMMY FLANAGAN, piano DOUG WATKINS, bass LOUIS HAYES, drums Hackensack, New Jersey, April 18, 1957. A2 is a trio performance by the rhythm section. Original session recorded by Rudy Van Gelder & produced by Bob Weinstock. *BONUS TRACK: JOHN COLTRANE, tenor sax; KENNY BURRELL, guitar; DONALD BYRD, trumpet; HORACE SILVER, piano; PAUL CHAMBERS, bass; PHILLY JOE JONES, drums. Hackensack, New Jersey, September 21, 1956. Original session recorded by Rudy Van Gelder & produced by Alfred Lion. 1. Minor Mishap 2. How Long Has This Been Going On? 3. Eclypso 4. Solacium 5. Tommys Time 6. Just For the Love
