"Time Was" is a brisk swing treatment of the Mexican standard composed by Gabriel Luna de la Fuente and Paz Miguel Prado, recorded for John Coltrane's 1957 album Coltrane. The 32-bar AABA form in A-flat provides a rich harmonic framework for extended improvisation, and Coltrane takes full advantage with four muscular tenor saxophone choruses that showcase his developing harmonic language. His solo reveals the intense exploration of chord substitutions and multi-note patterns that would soon characterize his most influential work. Red Garland follows with three piano choruses that balance bebop sophistication with his trademark elegance, his block chords and flowing right-hand lines providing a satisfying contrast to Coltrane's denser approach. Paul Chambers rounds out the solo sequence with two walking bass choruses that demonstrate his remarkable facility and clear intonation on the instrument. Albert Heath drives the proceedings with crisp, supportive drumming. The choice of this relatively obscure standard reflects Coltrane's voracious musical curiosity and his desire to challenge himself with unfamiliar material. The performance captures the young bandleader working through complex harmonic terrain with the determination and intensity that would soon make him the most influential saxophonist of his generation.
