Equinox (jazz standard)

"Equinox" is a minor blues[1] jazz standard by American jazz saxophone player and composer John Coltrane. Originally released on Coltrane's Sound[2] played in C# minor with a slow swing feel. However, it is usually played in the key of C Minor and often covered on the flute.

This article is about the musical composition. For other uses, see Equinox (disambiguation).
"Equinox"
Composition by John Coltrane
from the album Coltrane's Sound
ReleasedJune 1964 (1964-06)
RecordedOctober 24 & 26, 1960
Recording studioAtlantic, New York City
GenreJazz
Length8:33
LabelAtlantic
Composer(s)John Coltrane
Producer(s)Nesuhi Ertegün

Name

Coltrane’s wife Naima named the song "Equinox".[3] The equinox occur twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun. John Coltrane was born on September 23, 1926, the day of the official autumn equinox of that year.

The release of "Equinox" was delayed until 1964 when Atlantic issued the album Coltrane’s Sound. Before he recorded it, Coltrane performed "Equinox" several times in live venues, including a session with Miles Davis’ rhythm section and at the 1960 Monterey Jazz Festival. The other Atlantic recordings of "Equinox" were lost in the 1978 warehouse fire before they were released.[4] Unlike "Naima" and "My Favorite Things", "Equinox" would not become part of Coltrane's repertoire.

Coltrane's attitude in writing "Equinox" is described by Dr Lewis Porter as "Coltrane was a serious blues player and his blues pieces reflect the desire to get back to a primal mood, and away from the emotionally lighter, harmonically more complicated and complex blues of the boppers."[5]

Original recording
Main article: Coltrane's Sound

"Equinox" is introduced by McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones with a Latin rhythmic passage which shifts into the slower tempo of the theme. The composition evokes a sense of mystery. Coltrane then enters on the horn (a tenor), his playing slow and pensive. The theme is repeated for two choruses and then stating the theme twice. He then proceeds with an improvisation of unusual emotional depth - reminiscent of a preacher exhorting his congregation.[6] Elvin Jones make dramatic use of drum rolls and cymbal crashes throughout the song to maintain the sense of mystery. McCoy Tyner compliments with a light feel.

Form and lead sheet

"Equinox" is a 12 bar minor blues with a fourteen bar introduction. The head is played twice before and after the solos.[7]

‖:C#m|F#m|:‖
‖:C#m|C#m|C#m|C#m:‖
‖:C#m7|C#m7|C#m7|C#m7|
|F#m7|F#m7|C#m7|C#m7|
|A7|G#7|C#m7|C#m7:|

Cover versions

"Equinox" has been covered by:

References
  1. Levine, Mark (2011-01-12). The Jazz Theory Book. O'Reilly Media, Inc. p. 225. ISBN 9781457101458. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
  2. "Jazz Standards Songs and Instrumentals (Equinox)". Jazzstandards.com. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
  3. Porter, Lewis liner notes, Heavyweight Champion, p. 184
  5. Porter, Lewis liner notes, Heavyweight Champion, p. 21
  6. "The 50th Anniversary of My Favorite Things – Part 3". Shawllobree.wordpress.com. 26 October 2010. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  7. Luebbert, David. "Equinox". Songtrellis.com. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
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