Crossword Genius

Cracking solo — Coltrane finally free (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

loose

'free' is the definition.
(I know that free can be written as loose)

'cracking solo coltrane finally' is the wordplay.
'cracking' indicates anagramming the letters.
'finally' indicates one should take the final letters.
The final letter of 'coltrane' is 'e'.
'solo' anagrammed gives 'loos'.
'loos'+'e'='LOOSE'

(Other definitions for loose that I've seen before include "Free or immoral" , "Unconfined" , "Unrestrained" , "Not restrained or attached" , "Unleash" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app