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John Coltrane’s Giant Steps isn’t just a classic — it’s a rite of passage. In this episode, we unpack how this 1960 album became a cornerstone of modern jazz education and a benchmark for technical mastery. From the dizzying harmonic movement of the title track to the emotional depth of “Naima,” Giant Steps set a new standard for improvisers. In this episode you'll hear:

A breakdown of why Giant Steps became essential study material for every serious jazz musician
An explanation of Coltrane changes and what makes the harmony so challenging
Isolated stems from Art Taylor and Paul Chambers
Discussion of Tommy Flanagan’s famously tough piano solo on the title track
Context around each track — from bluesy tunes like “Cousin Mary” to the ballad “Naima”
Fun side debates, including whether Giant Steps is better than Kind of Blue and a correction on its release year

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As the premier online jazz education platform, with an ever-expanding course library and 20,000+ members, Open Studio (OS) has everything you need to excel and thrive on your jazz journey.

Featuring everything from beginner to advanced lessons, engaging courses from A-list instructors, step-by-step curriculum, real-time classes and a thriving and incredibly supportive community, OS is the perfect platform to level up your jazz playing, whether you’re a total beginner, or an advanced pro-level improvisor.

The Best Thing To Ever Happen In 1960

You'll Hear It: Full Album Deep Dives with Jazz Musicians