John Coltrane - A Love Supreme

Many fans and critics say that in 1964 John Coltrane, one of the best saxophonists of all time, was at the peak of his powers. He entered the Rudy Van Gelder studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on December 9 with his classic quintet: Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner and Jimmy Garrison. Whole album, released shortly after by Impulse! Records, was recorded there. It was called "A Love Supreme" and it became one of the best selling jazz albums ever.

"A Love Supreme" has, really, very little to do with the blues. Oh, let's say nothing. It's mostly an hard bop and free jazz affair. On the other hand, it might seem as a contradiction of the blues which can be also called devil's music. Coltrane's masterpiece is a spiritual album. A way better effort than Dylan's projects in the 80s. :) The blues connection is there, though: Son House, Blind Willie Johnson and many more bluesmen used to sing spirituals, black man's religious songs. And that's what "A Love Supreme" is all about, counting out perfect arrangements, gorgeous interplay between rhythm section and soloists and adventurous ideas.


The best part for me is the first (of three) part: the moment Coltrane starts chanting phrase "a love supreme" is beyond words! The song goes higher and higher. In the final track Coltrane tries something called "wordless recitation": he imitates singing by using saxophone: he plays words without speaking them. Wikipedia says the poem ends with words: "Elation. Elegance. Exaltation. All from God. Thank you God. Amen".

Also of note is great cover art. That's hell of a photo! All in all: get this. One of the best jazz works ever. And I'm proud to have liked it from the very first hearing :-)