As Ira Gitler wrote in the liner notes to this 1957 self-titled album, John Coltrane was a new star, "but he has not arrived through high-pressure press agentry. He has been building on more solid ground." From the time he joined the Miles Davis quintet in late 1955, through to his brilliant work with Thelonious Monk in 1957, Coltrane steadily built a reputation as a bona-fide star in his own right. Coltrane, his solo debut, features a tune by his friend Calvin Massey, in addition to three standards including the relatively obscure "Time Was." The titles to the Coltrane originals, "Chronic Blues" and "Straight Street," indicate his struggles with substance abuse and his new-found resolve after conquering his habits. Sidemen included Paul Chambers and Red Garland from the Miles Davis band, and Philadelphia colleagues Johnny Splawn and Albert Heath. This Hybrid mono SACD reissue features LP style gatefold jacket packaging.