John Coltrane – Blue Train

There’s something about jazz that just speaks to me of cities. It may be because I was living in London when I learned to play it and enjoy it! For whatever reason, whenever my characters are in the city, this just sets the scene for me perfectly. Conjuring up the dingy clubs, the darkened streets, the thrill of the unexpected and the magic that can be found in walking around a town with your imagination unlocked. It can also slip into the romantic and provide that mysterious liaison soundtrack, when the need arises. I like the slight edge of menace some of the tracks, particularly the title track, have to them. The combination of players on the album, including the fantastic and charismatic Elvin Jones on the drums evokes in me the same sense of discomfort I may feel in a strange place or difficult situation.