John Coltrane
Tenor Sax Solo on
I'll Wait and Pray

About

John Coltrane's tenor sax solo is the sole improvisation on this recording of "I'll Wait and Pray". Spanning half a chorus of the 32-bar AABA form in E♭ at a slow 59 BPM with a ballad feel, the alternate take allows listeners to appreciate how Coltrane approached the same harmonic terrain with fresh ears on each attempt, finding new expressive possibilities within the ballad framework. After once through the form, Coltrane jumps to the bridge and plays with the melody as he ends the tune on a beautiful harmonic.

John Coltrane was 32 to 33 years old at the time.