A Love Supreme

A LOVE SUPREME was for John Coltrane, both an intensely personal statement, and a gift to mankind. On the brink of ruination due to alcohol and drug abuse, Coltrane had a life altering epiphany in 1957. On the liner notes to the album he writes:

"During the year 1957, I experienced by the grace of God, a spiritual awakening which was to lead me to a richer, fuller, more productive life. At that time, in gratitude, I humbly asked to be given the means and privilege to make others happy through music."

A LOVE SUPREME was recorded in 1964 after the death of his friend, Eric Dolphy, and the birth of his 1st son. These events must have inspired Coltrane to create his masterpiece. Outside of Bach's B Minor Mass, I can't think of a greater work of pure spirituality in music. Whether or not you are into Jazz, you should listen to A LOVE SUPREME at least once in your life.

I have a small but highly acclaimed jazz collection. This is the jewel, my favorite, only tied by kind of blue in quality. An essential, not for jazz lovers, but rather music lovers.

My friend is in search of his interpretation of God. So I gave this cd to him to help him on his quest. I hope he finds what he is looking for. <3

I have the deluxe edition that includes the Antibes performance of A Love Supreme as well as that "lost" recording with Archie Shepp and Art Davis. I don't think this additional material is all that necessary unless you are a student of this man's music.

The actual release "A Love Supreme" is a recording that belongs in every serious music collection. This is wonderful, inspired music. It is the pinnacle of Coltrane's career, no question. Everything about Trane's music changed from this point forward. A Love Supreme is a summation of all his previous work and an introduction to the music to come. It is probably the most sincere, heartfelt work ever release by a "jazz" musician, perhaps any musician.

There are two recordings in post-bop jazz that transcend everything else. 1. Kind of Blue
2. A Love Supreme

If you are a musician, the Lewis Porter biography is an essential companion to A Love Supreme. It contains detailed analysis of Trane's approach to improvisation on this masterwork.

One amazing fact about this release is that it was put together with very little rehearsal and preparation. The music was not fully written out for that matter. Given this information, it's amazing how PERFECT this recording and the performances of all of the musicians, both collectively and individually really is.

In summary, A Love Supreme is one of America's finest contributions to world culture and a high point in the creative spirit of humanity. What more can be said?

John Coltrane-A Love Supreme *****

Being a massive Miles Davis fan but not owning much jazz other than Davis, Coltrane came highly recommended, especially A Love Supreme. So I finally broke down and bought it, and my only gripe is with myself, that I didn't buy this masterpiece sooner! Upon hearing the title I assumed it was a spiritual album of sorts, and I was correct. The album symbolizes Coltrane's search for music, spiritual, and cultural freedom. Though I'm not sure he live long enough to see all those things go into effect, I am pretty sure he did gain his musical freedom.

A Love Supreme plays out like a suite of hope, redemption, and remorse. The power of McCoy Tyners piano through out adds elements of life to a bleak bass line like that of Jimmy Garrison (and by bleak I mean melancholy). Coltrane's tenor saxophone is chilling at times, especially during the droning 'Psalm' which closes the album. But what makes this album especially memorable for me is Elvin Jones. His playing through out the album is phenomenal. Some of the all time best drumming I have ever heard. 'Pursuance' has easily the best drum solo of all time! Eat your heart out John Bonham! 'Acknowledgement' opens the album with a bold statement wrapped in polyrythyms, While 'Resolution' like the title may suggest seems to be the answer or counter part to 'Acknowledgement.'

As you all know A Love Supreme is a classic jazz album, but more than that it is a classic album of all time branching more that just jazz. So do yourself a favor and don't put it off any longer as I did. Because this must be heard to appreciate because my review chances are did not do it justice.