Universal Music Group releases a commemorative vinyl of John Coltrane’s masterpiece.
John Coltrane – A Love Supreme – Impulse Records STEREO A-77 (1965)/Universal Music Group 602475393122 60th Anniversary Edition Commemorative Diamond Vinyl, 32:47 ****1/2:
(John Coltrane – tenor saxophone, vocals; McCoy Tyner – piano; Jimmy Garrison – double bass; Elvin Jones – drums, gong, timpani)
In the 60’s, jazz was transitioning from hard bop and cool styles. It became a diverse genre that included elements of modal, avant–garde and free jazz. Recordings from this period used African and Middle Eastern motifs, drawing on blues and bebop references. The contexts of spirituality and transcendence (inspired by socio-political events of the 1960’s) were prevalent in this culture Notable contributors to this “sub-genre” were Lonnie Liston Smith, Albert Ayler, Sun Ra, Pharaoh Sanders and John Coltrane. In 1965, Coltrane released A Love Supreme which became the defining jazz statement on spirituality. His profound gratitude for throwing off the shackles of drug addiction elevated his already iconic status. Joining him were McCoy Tyner (piano), Jimmy Garrison (double bass) and Elvin Jones (drums)
Universal Music Group/Verve has released a 60th Anniversary Edition Commemorative Diamond Vinyl of A Love Supreme. This album (recorded over two days) has maintained its gravitas for all these decades. Coltrane’s passionate and religious musical epiphany is composed and performed as an abstract four-movement suite. Side A opens with “Pt. I – Acknowledgement”. With an exotic gong/cymbal opening by Jones, he is joined by Garrison’s groove-infused double bass and Tyner’s nimble chords. Coltrane’s fulsome tenor saxophone weaves through a progression of chords with muscular runs that occasionally stretch the tonality. The overall mood is deep and envelops the listener, while the rhythm section complements the saxophone improvisation with polyrhythmic (especially Jones) accents. At the 6:05 mark, Coltrane chants …”A Love Supreme…”. Tyner’s glowing chords give way to Garrison’s solo fade, which kicks off “Pt. II – Resolution”. Coltrane expresses various stylistic influences as the tempo engages in swing dynamics. Tyner’s solo bristles with crisp notation and brawny chords that are complex. Coltrane returns with a lively run that has punctuation and blues shading, leading to subtle free jazz progressions. The quartet chemistry is compelling and the instrumental articulation reflects both spiritual tranquility and emotional intensity.
Side B features the longest track, “Pt. III – Pursuance”. In an unconventional arrangement, Jones gets things started with an extended (a full minute-and-a-half), rollicking solo. Coltrane follows briefly before turning it over to Tyner whose technical brilliance and furious play match the fervency of the band leader. Coltrane reprises with a complicated and transformative solo. Jones adds to the ferocity with his drum work before Garrison finishes up with a two-minute sinewy run. The finale, “Pt. IV – Psalm” is a musical translation of Coltrane’s poem. His saxophone play is mesmerizing, with moments of delicacy and soaring eloquence. Tyner, Garrison and Jones never falter in their cohesive dynamics, regardless of shits in timing and phrasing. As a quartet, the momentum and artistic commitment is prominent.
This 60th Anniversary Edition Commemorative Diamond vinyl is a great addition to any jazz library. The mix (Ryan Smith/Sterling Sound) is very good. Vinyl aficionados will be enthusiastic about the eye-catching silver vinyl and embossed lettering on the classic black & white cover photo.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
John Coltrane – A Love Supreme
TrackList:
Side A:
A Love Supreme, Pt.I – Acknowledgement;
A Love Supreme, Pt.II – Resolution
Side B:
A Love Supreme, Pt. III – Pursuance;
A Love Supreme, Pt. IV – Psalm
More information available through the John Coltrane Website:
