Coltrane

Celebrate indeed! The full significance of that record is not always appreciated. The tune "Giant Steps", and a jazz player's ability to convincingly play over it's harmonic changes, is still one of the main litmus tests for credibility as a modern jazz improviser on any instrument. That tune literally and singlehandedly changed the face and direction of jazz. Amazing!

http://vimeo.com/6428820

and "A Love Supreme" is one of "My Favorite Things" :)

a giant step as well for many rock and roll fans into jazz was J.Coltrane's wonderful spiritual style, which was (and remains) so fresh and truly "modern" as well as
historic.
And the next thing you know, you're listening to Monk, Miles, Parker, etc. along
with your Cream and Hendrix albums.

There is an interesting story about the recording of Giant Steps. Coltrane gave out the music ahead of time to the musicians since he knew it was a difficult tune to improvise over. The pianist didn't practise. When listening to the recording you can hear the pianist having problems and eventually gives up and Trane takes over. I am not laughing because as Frogman states above, they are very difficult changes.

French Fries, very well put. Different self artistic interpretations in just twelve notes, yet so different. Music is the truest art form. And all good :)