BALLADS (1962) finds John Coltrane s classic quartet (which includes bassist Jimmy Garrison pianist McCoy Tyner and drummer Elvin Jones) gathering force as a unit and turning their skills to a softer warmer sound than is usually be found on the team s recordings from the time. Some critics accused Coltrane of capitulating to commercial pressures with this release but that reaction overlooks the gorgeous performances on You Don t Know What Love Is I Wish I Knew and others. A beautiful album and a great entry point for those who might otherwise find Coltrane s 60s work too abrasive.