We all know John Coltrane’s Giant Steps as the jazz milestone that turned every music school practice room into a proving ground. But behind the legend are lesser-known details that make the album even more extraordinary. From abandoned sessions to explosive breakthroughs, here are 5 facts about Giant Steps that will make you hear it with new ears.
1. The Original Version of Giant Steps Wasn’t the First Attempt—It Was the Second Draft
John Coltrane wasn’t satisfied with the initial Giant Steps sessions recorded in March 1959. He had pianist Cedar Walton and drummer Lex Humphries in the studio—but the magic just didn’t land. Coltrane shelved the takes, and those early versions didn’t see the light of day until much later on archival releases. What we now consider one of the most definitive statements in modern jazz only happened after Coltrane regrouped with a different band and a clearer vision two months later.
2. Pianist Tommy Flanagan Struggled—Live—With the Now-Famous Changes
The “Coltrane changes” that define Giant Steps are so harmonically challenging that even an experienced pianist like Tommy Flanagan appeared to falter during the first take. He hadn’t seen the music before the session and took a start-stop solo that felt cautious and unsure. Flanagan later re-recorded the song on his own terms for a tribute album—proof that even jazz giants sometimes need a second shot to conquer a monster.
3. The Album’s Title Track Was Named After Its Bass Line, Not Its Harmonies
Although “Giant Steps” is synonymous with its infamous chord progression, Coltrane actually named it after the motion of the bass line. “It goes from minor thirds to fourths,” he said—creating what he called a “lop-sided pattern.” That quirky, bouncing bass motion was the foundation of the tune’s name and rhythm, emphasizing that groove came first—even in a song known for melting musicians’ brains.
4. Coltrane Rehearsed the Tunes with Cedar Walton at His Apartment
Before recording the final version of Giant Steps, Coltrane gave pianist Cedar Walton early access to the music. They even rehearsed together at Coltrane’s own apartment. But when it came time to record the master take, Walton was absent. Whether it was due to scheduling or Coltrane’s evolving lineup choices is unclear, but the result was Flanagan in the hot seat with no prep time—adding a very human element to an otherwise cosmic session.
5. “Mr. P.C.” Might Have Been Inspired by a Gospel Tune Called “Shadrack”
“Mr. P.C.” is often celebrated as a gritty tribute to bassist Paul Chambers, but Coltrane biographer Lewis Porter found a fascinating melodic connection: it echoes the 1931 gospel hit “Shadrack” by Robert MacGimsey. That tune was recorded by Sonny Rollins and sung by Louis Armstrong in a 1951 film. Whether conscious or subconscious, Coltrane’s nod to gospel traditions links his music to the deep roots of African American spiritual expression—making Giant Steps not just modern, but timeless.
So the next time you listen to Giant Steps, don’t just marvel at the tempo or the technical brilliance. Listen for the rough drafts, the quiet struggles, the gospel roots, and the unshakable feeling of a musician determined to break every boundary—one step at a time.
