The John Coltrane Quartet, Plays (side A)

It's hard to write much new about the John Coltrane Quartet. Released between the obvious classics A Love Supreme and Ascension, 1965's Plays obviously lacks the innovation or impact of either, and thus sometimes can be overlooked. The album features the classic Quartet at its prime, playing beautiful and lyrical versions of four standards. It's a tasteful and very friendly listen, reflecting the group's majesty through subtle, rather than bold strokes. The recording is typical Van Gelder simplicity, and the cover images are incredibly beautiful (even if the text obscures too much of them).