Track Listing

1. Acknowledgement
2. Resolution
3. Pursuance
4. Psalm

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #108952 in Music
• Released on: 2005-06-08
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

CD Description
A LOVE SUPREME is the essential example of the genius of John Coltrane. In what has become the apotheosis of jazz music, this eminently accessible work bridges the gap between music and spirituality, between art and life. With the ultimateincarnation of the jazz quartet, Coltrane brings together all of his turbulent elements into a cohesive paean to spirituality, one which is fully appreciable by the uninitiated.
A LOVE SUPREME is a 33-minute work divided into four movements. "Acknowledgment" starts the album with a heraldic summoning from Coltrane's tenor saxophone, full and joyous, which approximates the tone of the prayer he provides in the album's liner notes. The solo that follows reveals an artist whose spiritual depth and emotional urgency are matched by an adherence to logic and a resolve to achieve one goal above all--communication. Each simple musical statement is either followed by a motivic development or countered with a conversational response. Coltrane climaxes with a distilled four-note motif echoing the album's title, which he plays with by sequencing it through a wide array of tonalities. Finally, the band comes in, reiterating this idea, chanting the mantra "A Love Supreme".
"Acknowledgment" is followed by the torrential release of "Resolution", whose melody Coltrane fervently states to the animated accompaniment of his superb rhythm section. Laying the groundwork is drummer Elvin Jones, who approximates the effect of multiple percussionists feedingoff of each other, creating an enormous texture of rhythm. McCoy Tyner's colourful piano clusters act as gusts of wind supporting Trane's soaring expressions. Bassist Jimmy Garrision takes the low road, keeping everyone on track. With support like this, Coltrane is free to explore the uncharted depths of his soul. On "Resolution", we can hear the very fabric of Trane's voice being stretched to the limit, as if even the horn which he has mastered is not a worthy enough vehicle for this man's spirit.
The rousing "Pursuance" featuressome vigorously swinging playing from Tyner, furiously followed by Coltrane's climaxes in an inspired hurling of ideas.Bassist Garrison brings us to A LOVE SUPREME's conclusion, an extended "Psalm" that acts as a resolved denouement in which Trane slowly muses over a lush bed of tranquil sounds--almost as if he were reflecting upon the wisdom achieved at this apex of his spiritual journey. Although the music is slowed, the level of intensity is maintained, as if we've reached a plateau upon which we may ponder what is pronounced in the liner notes, "Elation--Elegance--Exaltation--All from God". Via John Coltrane.

Customer Reviews

A FANTASTIC ALBUM!
Every jazz album you listen to takes a few listens to get into and this is the same for a love supreme, but once this album gets into you it will be a part of your life as it is now one of my favourite albums. Buy this album! you will not regret it!

A Love Sublime
This is one of the most astounding and uplifting records you will ever hear. It is a cornerstone in any jazz collection and a treasure in any other music collection. If you like jazz and are not averse to modern / avant garde leanings, then this album stretches the conventions of the music as far as they can go before losing form and structure altogether. The underlying harmonic and melodic structure remains clear, but the expressiveness and freedom in the playing are a joy to behold. Open your mind and be carried away. It will never get better than this!

If this is genius .........................
I bought this album on the strength of the many reviews describing it as a work of genius or a religious experience. Well maybe I have missed the point, but to me this is one of the tedious and frustrating albums I have ever heard. The piece simply repeats the same themes over and over again, with somewhat derivative improvisation. Well played but not well constructed.