John Coltrane was born 100 years ago today. In 1963, he teamed with vocalist Johnny Hartman to record one of the great make-out albums of all time. According to Hartman, each of the songs was done in a single take, except “You Are Too Beautiful” – because Elvin Jones dropped a drumstick. But alternate takes have since come to light. Hey, when it comes to this album, I am willing to go with the legend. Originally, Coltrane wasn’t even on the track, allowing McCoy Tyner his moment to shine. The album was reissued with additional Coltrane obbligato on three of the songs. The enchantment is so powerful, it bends reality. I can’t listen to it without it taking me to some very wistful places.

Original versions of “My One and Only Love,” “Lush Life,” and “You Are Too Beautiful,” juxtaposed with reissues featuring more Trane