A Love Supreme [Original recording remastered]

 

 

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First of all, John Coltrane is absolutely my favorite saxophonist in history. Those who say he plays the saxonphone like a singer pinching their nose obviously have no musical experience. I play the tenor sax and trust me, no one and I mean no one has ever reached such a smooth and melodic sound. You seriously should try Briteny Spears if you are going to criticize how he plays. The saxophone is easy to play but tough to make as beautful as Coltrane did. He deserves so many praises.

Secondly, Love Supreme is in my mind one of the greatest examples of the brilliance jazz contains. This is freedom. Coltrane put so much emotion into this album. His focus was God, and he proved to be divine with the sax himself. Whether or not you may find A Love Supreme to be entertaining and listenable, there is no doubt that Coltrane truly expressed his strong emotions in his playing. I feel that the beauty A Love Supreme has is through its expression of freedom and emotion. Some might say his repetion of notes is annoying, but Coltrane used this as a release of feelings. The repetion just shows his passion for God and his for of expression. This is the album that shows Coltrane at his highest time of musicianship: passion and emotion for the notes and God.

Many months ago, my girlfriend bought me my first jazz album, probably in an attempt to entice me away from all this silly progressive rock music. It was a wise move, as these things turn out, as 'A Love Supreme' is slowly but surely becoming one of my favourite cds. It feels like an integral part of my collection. Now that the time has arrived to review this album, one of a few things I'd like to review on this site I think I can safely call a masterpiece, I am seemingly at a loss. I dont have nearly enough knowledge of jazz music yet to discuss this albums historical impact, place it in any context, or give a detailed treatment of the textures, moods and tones evoked within. What I can do, however, is tell you exactly why I like it, and like it I do. Very much.
Unsurprisingly, it was the first piece, 'Acknowledgment', that initially reached out and compelled me, and I've been hooked on it ever since. I love the flurry of noise and notes from the sax that jumps right out at you the minute you hit play on the cd player. Its gentle and welcoming, and it prepares me perfectly for the elation that is inevitable when the first melody kicks in, right after that sombre and jumping bass line. I cant get over how gorgeous the main 'da-dwee-da, da-DWEE-da' sax line is. I find it quite, well, ingenious I suppose. Theres really interesting sax work throughout the whole of the first piece, which I'm still coming to terms with. Towards the end of this first movement, Coltrane lowers his sax and launches into the 'A Love Supreme' chant, the only instance of any vocals on the album. I also find it to be of the most fascinating parts of the record, as I still seem to get a surprise every time I hear it, even though I know exactly when its coming.
'Resolution', the second part, is my favourite piece from the record. The main melody is just indescribably excellent, particularly when it sneaks back in at the end. Theres also some incredible piano work, and I love the way the whole piece just rolls along so unstoppably. Elvin Jones gets a little drum showcase at the start of the third part 'Pursuance' which excites me greatly, being a drummer myself. Its an excellent display, and I like the way it builds up into the main part of the song. This track has to be the most intense on the album. The drums just seem to pound away and I really find the whole thing quite draining. Despite this, its a very clever bit of music, particularly in the way all the instruments interlock. I think Coltrane takes a bit more of a backseat in it though. The final movement, 'Psalm', is very moving, a fitting coda to a deeply spiritual and uplifting experience. Its mellow, poignant and supremely effective, with a mournful main melody which is complemented by washes of drums and keys.
I find this album to be transcendent and imbued with seemingly limitless depth. I find it easy to study to, to relax to, or to just sit down and listen to and be thrown into and emotional and intellectual rollercoaster ride. I dont think its for the musically recalcitrant, narrow minded or impatient, and it will require numerous repeated listens to fully unleash its full potential. I suppose thats a warning, but if youve read this far Im sure you wont be daunted by any of my caveats. If you do buy this album, I hope you find it as instructive, intriguing and inspirational as I have.

This was the first John Coltrane album I brought and I am just stunned at the Beauty and Power of Coltrane's music. I cannot imagine a better album or a better musician. After hearing this album I wanted to buy more of Coltrane's albums. John Coltrane's music is a treasure. This is the only album I have or know of that you can listen to repeatedly and love more each time. If you don't have it, buy it now, go out and get it immediately!!!! I have never ever been more pleased with a purchase in my life. This album is the epitome of High Art.

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2.0 out of 5 stars talk about navel-gazing...
Okay already, I'm convinced you have chops! You don't have to keep trying to impress me...or each other...or yourselves... Read more

Published on Jun 8 2004 by Mark Mazurek

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite Jazz Album
"resolution" is one of the greatest songs ever recorded.

i'm not any type of authority on jazz music (though i'm incredibly engaged by it), so i won't pretend to know... Read more

Published on Jun 1 2004 by mikethemeanmole

5.0 out of 5 stars A Love Supreme
This is a deeply spiritual album. It is a glimpse into one man's soul and his journey to God.

Part 1, "Acknowledgment," is to me an inner conflict given form in... Read more

Published on May 1 2004 by garfieldguy

1.0 out of 5 stars Most overhyped jazz album in history.
Coltrane's A Love Supreme is the most overhyped jazz album in history. It is music? Maybe. But I find it to be unlistenable, despite several efforts to find something good in... Read more

Published on Oct 18 2003 by BangorBill

5.0 out of 5 stars A Love Supreme: A Musical Revelation
In a time when jazz was beginning its downfall, this four-part masterpiece recorded in 1964, is John Coltrane's attempt to give thanks to God. Read more

Published on Sep 17 2003 by Manny Hernandez

5.0 out of 5 stars A jazz album for the ages.
Lately I've been digging into the jazz genre, and this was my first jazz purchase along with (what else?) Miles Davis' Kind Of Blue. Read more

Published on Aug 30 2003 by Shotgun Method

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect
Okay, I'm sure some of the illiterate, one-star reviews that negatively compare this work that of Kenny G. Read more

Published on Aug 19 2003 by S. Bush

1.0 out of 5 stars Not for everyone
As a fan of jazz from the 50's and 60's, I keep trying to like this piece. Many of Coltrane's phrases repeat the same notes over and over. Read more

Published on July 12 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars S. Bryson has it all correct
This is a masterpiece of the 20th century and all music. John G must not know music. Elvin Jones accompaniment to the whole album is inevitable and great. Read more

Published on Jun 4 2003 by faicemail

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensuality and spirituality
I came to Love Supreme from the album recorded by John McLaughlin and Carlos Santana - Love Devotion Surrender - that paid tribute to a saxophonist that at the age of 16 or so I... Read more

Published on Jun 3 2003 by Gareth Smyth

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