John Coltrane: Olé

At 18:13, Olé is the longest track that Coltrane recorded during his two years and a couple of months with Atlantic, as well as the only tune that has such a clear link with Spanish music. It is obviously not one of Coltranes masterworks, but it still deserves notice at least for the two above-mentioned reasons. On Olé, Trane seems to be more interested in exploring the global atmosphere of the Spanish mode he uses than in playing extensively. He leaves plenty of room to two roaring basses, two extra horns, McCoy and Elvin, and his own colorful soprano comes in only at the beginning and towards the end. Indeed, in spite of its weaknesses and because of this unique Spanish atmosphere, Olé shines with a light of its own among the jewels of Coltranes Atlantic years.