|
A LOVE SUPREME (DELUXE EDITION ) / JOHN COLTRANE
Originally released in 1964, A Love Supreme still stands as a musical
monument to a titan of jazz that deserves a place in not only any
jazz collection, but any self respecting record collection . This
package not only confirms that status but increases it.
Before embarking on the most ambitious project of his career John
Coltrane had developed & evolved his saxophone playing &
musical prowess with the likes of Miles Davis, Theolonius Monk &
Ornette Coleman as well as his own controversial & groundbreaking
solo records.
He had the sense of oneness with his instrument, of the pure expression
of his heart & soul through his music.
Most significantly Coltrane had also assembled
his remarkable band, the John Coltrane Quartet, the perfect unit
to not only accompany him but to lift his musical vision & expression
to an even higher level. They stand as possibly the greatest band
ever, in any music, not just jazz.
The Quartet included the ever inventive drumming dervish Elvin Jones,
the solid & subtle bass playing of Jim Garrison & pianist
Mc Coy Tyner whose chordal invention was the perfect foil to Coltrane’s
exploration of new horizons in his musical odyssey.
They were all virtuosos on their instruments,
capable of stretching & bending their modes of musical voice
to hitherto uncharted regions as well as playing as an ensemble
that provided the perfect platform for Coltrane to launch his at
times frenzied stretching of musical boundaries from.
Alongside his musical evolution Coltrane was also
involved in a spiritual quest that saw him developing his personal
self realization & growth. All of these came together in the
development & recording of a Love Supreme. Recorded in one session
in one afternoon, the piece is a suite of 4 elements, beginning
with the sonorous peace of Acknowledgement, through Resolution &
Pursuance that explore the themes in solos, duets & ensemble
playing, before the higher peace of Psalm brings the set to rapturous
conclusion. It’s a journey that reflects a yearning &
reverence for union with self & a greater power.
This package features a carefully & totally
remastered version that far exceeds any previous vinyl or CD issue.
For those familiar with a Love Supreme, this new version will be
a revelation, with the added bonus of a second CD that brings to
light much previously unreleased material, most notably a rare live
version. The studio version runs for 33 minutes, but the live piece
runs for 47 minutes and sees the band expanding & exploring
the original with amazing concentration & power. Elvin Jones
in particular pushes the envelope beyond any expectations.
Also included are 2 unreleased alternate takes
where you can hear the band gradually evolving the essence of the
pieces & 2 dazzling takes that feature a sextet lineup that
includes saxophonist Archie Shepp & an extra bassist. As well
as all this, the packaging is excellent, with original cover art,
handwritten cover notes & a fascinating booklet that gives new
insight into the recording, the circumstances surrounding the session
& the release as well as new examinations of Coltrane himself.
Fascinating & exemplary.
Incidentally for those who want more, the recently
released book by Ashley Kahn called A Love Supreme / The Creation
Of John Coltrane’s Classic Album is an excellently researched
& beautifully presented tribute to a record that still stands
as a towering musical & spiritual achievement. Kahn’s
obvious labour of love follows his volume on Miles Davis’
“Kind Of Blue “ album. The wonderful black & white
portraits & candid photographs bring a dignified majesty to
the book, while the excellently researched & written text captures
the magic of that musical moment perfectly. It is all to do with
the music & the energy behind it .
back to top
|
