The Best Thing To Ever Happen In 1960

HUGE Summer Sale! Get 50% off all annual plans at Open Studio and take your playing to the next level: https://link.youllhearit.com/summer

John Coltrane’s Giant Steps isn’t just a jazz classic — it’s a rite of passage. Peter Martin and Adam Maness dig into what makes the album so technically punishing and emotionally electrifying. From the iconic solo on the title track to the symmetrical harmonies, the lightning-fast chord changes, the fiery swing of Cousin Mary, and the full-throttle chaos of Countdown, they unpack the brilliance, the feel, and the mythology. Whether you’ve studied this album or are hearing it with fresh ears, you’ll come away understanding Coltrane — and Giant Steps — like never before.

0:00 - Intro
3:00 - Why John Coltrane's Giant Steps is ICONIC
8:50 - Track 1: Giant Steps
14:00 - The stories behind Giant Steps, Tommy Flanagan, and more
18:48 - Coltrane's mindblowing solo
24:48 - Track 2: Cousin Mary
32:25 - Track 3: Countdown
37:35 - Track 4: Spiral
40:30 - Track 6: Naima
46:14 - Track: Mr. P.C.
49:00 - Desert Island Tracks and Apex Moments
53:15 - Does Giant Steps make you anxious? Is it snobby?
57:00 - Outro: Giant Steps Duo

ABOUT OPEN STUDIO
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the premier online jazz education platform, with an ever-expanding course library and 20,000+ members, Open Studio (OS) has everything you need to excel and thrive on your jazz journey.

Featuring everything from beginner to advanced lessons, engaging courses from A-list instructors, step-by-step curriculum, real-time classes and a thriving and incredibly supportive community, OS is the perfect platform to level up your jazz playing, whether you’re a total beginner, or an advanced pro-level improvisor.