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This image consists of two original images. The one at left is the cover of the album A Love Supreme, which is considered as John Coltrane's finest work. The other shows Trane
playing an alto sax; one which he did not use in recording this album. This instrument, labelled "Yamaha Nippon Gakki Alto Saxophone, Made in Japan, Serial No. 015, with case",
was sold at auction at Guernsey's Jazz Auction in February 2005 by Trane's family for the benefit of The John Coltrane Foundation. RecordMecca
One of the most important records ever made, John Coltrane's A Love Supreme was his pinnacle studio outing, that at once compiled all of the innovations from his past, spoke
to the current of deep spirituality that liberated him from addictions to drugs and alcohol, and glimpsed at the future innovations of his final two and a half years. Recorded
over two days in December 1964, Trane's classic quartet - Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, and Jimmy Garrison - stepped into the studio and created one of the most the most
thought-provoking, concise and technically pleasing albums of their bountiful relationship. From the undulatory (and classic) bassline at the intro to the last
breathy notes, Trane is at the peak of his logical and emotionally varied soloing, while the rest of the group is completely atttuned to his spiritual vibe.
Composed of four parts, each has a thematic progression. "Acknowledgement" is the awakening to a spiritual life from the darkness of the world; it trails off with the
saxophonist chanting the suite's title. "Resolution" is an amazingly beautiful, somewhat turbulent segment. It portrays the dedication required for discovery on
the path toward spiritual understanding. "Pursuance" searches deeply for that experience, while "Psalm" portrays that discovery and the realization of
enlightenment with humility.
A Love Supreme not only attempts but realizes the ambitious undertaking of Coltrane's concept; his emotional, searching, sometimes prayerful journey is made
abundantly clear. It conveys much without overstatement. It is almost impossible to imagine any jazz collection without it. Sam Samuelson for All Music
Cover design by George Gray, photo by Bob Thiele, illustration by Victor Kalin. Album produced by Bob Thiele. Impulse 1965.
No. 47, Rolling Stone, The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time; No. 85, The Virgin All-Time Album Top 1000;
No. 97, Rate Your Music, The 100 Greatest Albums of All Time.
(A) Acknowledgment - Resolution
(B) Persuance/Psalm
"Resolution" with live cover drums insert from Kenneth Benson on YouTube.
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