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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

A Love Supreme

John Coltrane

1965

Buy At Rough Trade
A Love Supreme
Album Summary

A Love Supreme is an album by American jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. He recorded it in one session on December 9, 1964, at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, leading a quartet featuring pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Jimmy Garrison, and drummer Elvin Jones. A Love Supreme was released by Impulse! Records in January 1965. One of Coltrane's bestselling albums, it is widely considered his masterpiece.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.62

Votes

14779

Genres

  • Jazz

Reviews

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Apr 14 2021
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5

A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME

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Aug 20 2022
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5

”If God had an ipod I would be on his playlist” - John Coltrane, 1965

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Feb 18 2022
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2

The more I listen to jazz from being exposed via this site, the more I'm realizing that I just don't really like jazz. I can appreciate the musicianship, but it's just not something I'd choose to listen to.

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Dec 05 2020
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1

this might be a technical masterpiece but let's be real, jazz is annoying

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May 15 2021
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5

What can be said about this album that hasnt already been said? Its absolutley incredible. Im not a jazz expert, and have only listened to about 4 dozen jazz albums, so I dont understand the music theory of it all, I just know that its an incredible experience to listen to this.

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Aug 31 2021
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5

Takes several listens to really get, especially for those not used to jazz. First track gets improvised, demonstrating Coltrane's insane talent as a sax player. Love the "A Love Supreme" underlying the entire track, starting off the song clearly then stepping out of the shadows via Coltrane's vocals at the end. Second track starts taking an intense turn. This becomes a very powerful album, with Coltrane's attempt to play as though God was speaking through their instruments. It gets crazy from time to time, invoking several instances of emotion and power, like the drum solo in the first part and near the end of Pursuance. In fact, the last track Psalm is entirely a consistent preach which goes along to written lyrics spoken through sax. I wish I could explain the theory behind this work and what makes this "modal jazz," but I'll save that for another few years (hopefully). For now, I find this to be an amazing piece of art with wonderful diversity that demonstrate both immense talent and powerful messages that convey deep emotion to the listener.

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Feb 13 2021
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5

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.

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Sep 16 2021
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1

Thank god that was short, I couldn't handle much more. Occasionally that was a good bit but then it would be overthrown by someone who fell on the piano or pushed over a bass.

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Feb 20 2021
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5

It’s Coltrane at his best, in what world was I not going to give this album 5 stars? There have been so many positive reviews written about this album that I’m not sure how much else so have to say but it really is that good. Everybody plays so well together and the solos are perfect. My criteria for a 10 is basically that I don’t think the album could be any better and this album certainly fits that description. Favorite songs: Yes Least favorite songs: No 10/10

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Jul 05 2021
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5

Famous sax player Joshua Redman said 'A Love Supreme is the first jazz album I ever heard, and I really hope it is the last I ever hear.' This is the best piece of jazz music that will ever exist.

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Jul 06 2021
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2

Jazz is a lot like England's "golden generation" of footballers. On paper, there's a lot of superstars but in practice, each player seems to be out of sync with each other and playing to their own tune.

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Mar 24 2022
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1

I like some jazz and I like some jazz less. This is the type where 3 or 4 musicians appear to get together and do their own thing without any interest or care what the others are doing. Personally I'd rather listen to an orchestra tuning up.

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Dec 29 2021
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5

An absolute monolith. Gnomic on first hearing, enlightening after multiple.

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Jan 29 2024
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1

01) A Love Supreme, pt 1. - Acknowledgement - 3,0 02) A Love Supreme, pt. 2 - Resolution - 2,0 03) A Love Supreme, pt. 3. - Pursuance - 2,0 04) A Love Supreme, pt. 4. - Psalm 3,0 TOTAL: 2,50 (25/100) God I hate jazz! It's like my left ear is fighting with my right one. Every instrument plays it's own tune. I know this is worthy album, but it's a big no for me.

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Jul 05 2021
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3

A one-time contender for my favourite jazz album, I've cooled on this over the last couple of years. Not that I think it's anything resembling bad. Frequently funky, surprising and exciting, the closest I can get to laying my finger on the root of my reservations is that those qualities are rarely co-present and that seems like part of the design, which also seems to be deliberately challenging and as a result stops me from getting transported the way Coltrane is. Except when he chants "A love supreme". Despite its simplicity--probably because of it--that always hits me as the most transcendent moment.

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Feb 09 2021
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5

Jazz. Raw, unapologetic, beautiful, soulful, all of those other words that have certainly been said about it over the years, and more. This album is great, and definitely deserves a high spot on this list.

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Dec 02 2023
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4

No. 54/1001 Acknowledgement 3/5 Resolution 4/5 Pursuance 3/5 Psalm 4/5 Average: 3,5 Jazz is not my favorite genre. But I can appreciate the incredible musicianship on display here.

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Mar 07 2022
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5

John Coltrane, already well-establish as a one of jazz's greats, wanted to go in a different direction after his last album. Leaning more into avant-garde jazz, Coltrane blended elements of faith and religion to create what is effectively a new subgenre of jazz: Spiritual Jazz. More spiritual in form than in substance, A Love Supreme is a piece that honor's Coltrane's relationship with God. It is reflective, passionate, and amazing in it's music. Not only that, but this record would mark a move into free jazz, for both Coltrane and Impulse! Records. Context aside, this is a beautiful jazz record. It's a little weird, but makes up for it in spades with expert use of dynamics and improvisation that only seasoned jazz musicians could follow through on. Excellence had never sounded so good. God bless.

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Apr 23 2024
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2

I’m trying. Truly. I’m trying to understand jazz and appreciate it. I know that John Coltrane is a brilliant musician and rightfully revered. But I simply don’t “get” this type of jazz. To me, it just sounds like a cacophony of disparate musicians, and I struggle to find anything resembling a melody to grab on to.

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May 03 2024
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2

4 guys got on stage and just played their own shit for half an hour. If anxiety had a musical sound, it would be this. I'll give it a 1 star bump because of the technical musicianship of the band members and the undeniable influence he had.

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Jun 17 2021
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5

One of the most well-known Jazz records for a reason. It's not my first listen, and it won't be my last. I have not listened to a lot of John Coltrane, but this is a great album.

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Feb 23 2021
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5

This is is, this is the one. This and Kind of Blue. If you had to pick two jazz albums to take with you before jazz disappeared, it’d probably be one of those. It’s truly an achievement in sound, playing, recording, all of it. It’s no wonder this is cited in so many lists. Favorite song: all Least favorite: none

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Feb 23 2021
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5

I was working while listening to this, and unlike Black Saint, I wasn't distracted by any obnoxious muted horns, so I'd say I liked this very much. I also love using commas, apparently. 5 stars babeeeeee

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Jan 13 2021
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5

Already listened to it but I will continue to listen to it many, many times

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May 22 2021
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5

Schon oft gehört - aber wohl nie oft genug. Tatsächlich gibt es jedes Mal was neues zu entdecken auf dieser Reise, die noch so harmonisch und konzentriert beginnt, um dann immer stärker am Geschmack der Freiheit zu schnuppern und die Frage zu suchen deren Antwort 42 lautet, sich selbst in der Gleichung auflösen will und schließlich eins wird mit der kosmischen Existenz.

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May 22 2021
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5

Gilt als Meisterwerk, nicht wegzudenken aus dem Kanon, gottgleich die Verehrung. Tue mich aber seit jeher schwer mit dieser Aufnahme (der Blue Train fährt cooler). An manchen Tagen hat “A Love Supreme“ die Kraft, graue Wolken vor den schmutzigen Fenster hinfort zu blasen. An anderen stellt sich eher ein Gefühl des Aushaltens ein. Das meist permanent hohe Tempo zwingt zum konzentrierten Hinhören, eine Aufgabe, für die es manchmal eine Kraft und Kontemplation braucht, die man aufzubringen nicht immer vermag. Musik als Rechenaufgabe oder Rätsel - faszinierend und (über)fordernd zugleich. Aber im guten Moment das magisch unbeschreibliche Begreifen ohne je eine Note zu kennen. Ehrlich diffuse Gefühle; selten verrückt, wie die Platte je nach subjektiver Empfindung morpht. Aber ein Sturm ist kein Buchhalter, sondern bläst und tobt unverzeihlich, wo und wie er will. Krasse 4.5

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Sep 20 2021
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5

I had heard this album a few times and, though I was a fan of parts 1 & 4, I found part 3, with its squonky bits and 2 drum solos a little much. However, on re-listen I like the way that the drums set up an awesome McCoy Tyner solo and in general, I love Elvin Jones’ loose and impromptu playing throughout. I’ve had other Coltrane albums on high rotation over the years but I’m glad that 1001 forced me to listen again this one again, with greater concentration. He takes post-bop jazz and makes it feel spiritual. It's a shame he died a couple of years later.

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Sep 22 2021
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5

Oh yes. This is sitting in a smoky bar, drinking a whiskey, and watching the band wail onstage. I am about this life.

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Dec 13 2021
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5

Monumental. From a simple theme grows jazz played with a sense of spiritual purpose, instilled with passion, intent, and real feeling. You won't find dance hits here, but careful listening will reward those willing to do so.

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Jan 26 2022
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5

Amazing album, fantastic playing, great sound. Still amused by how underwhelmed the singing is after such sparkling music. They sound like they're high schoolers being made to recite something. But hey, it's honest, it's pure, it's amazing.

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Mar 15 2022
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5

Wow. I've never listened to this, but have always wanted to. What a masterpiece. It is such a beautiful expression of humanity. Always surprising, but in a way that keeps you in the piece. This could be listened to both in the background of a coffee shop and on head phones in the dark. Gorgeous.

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Apr 11 2022
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5

Rare among jazz albums in that I feel like I genuinely get it, I think it's a masterpiece. This might not be considered a ringing endorsement given my general ignorance, but I'll stand by it.

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Apr 13 2022
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5

Spiritual. If you're in the right frame of mind, hard to describe it as anything else.

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Apr 30 2022
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5

Another groundbreaking album and modal jazz classic. This album in four movement takes a more avant garde approach to the form with its experimental rhythms and improvisation. Though less melodic than his work on Kind of Blue, this album is very listenable and has a lot to offer the casual jazz listener. This is one of those albums that rewards multiple listens.

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Jul 28 2022
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5

From the first sound of the gong you are aware that you’re about to witness greatness. Jones’ cymbal washing and later use of timpani is breathtaking, but it is nonetheless Coltrane that stands out as the main character in what can easily be described as his magnum opus. Another milestone by Coltrane that still stands tall almost 60 years later.

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Sep 24 2022
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5

Not only a spectacular jazz album, A Love Supreme is a beautiful expression of the relationship between man and God. Coltrane’s saxophone wails and sobs like a sinner yearning to be cleansed.

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Jun 27 2024
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5

I have a hard time with a lot of jazz albums, but this one just owns it from start to finish. Everything about this album is excellent - from the rhythms to the sound of the recording and of course the songs themselves. I understand why this is a classic.

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Jun 01 2021
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4

A beautiful masterpiece. Coltrane's expression in this album is conveyed from every complex section to the most subtle of ditties. Pt. III - Pursuance is a spiritual journey. Jazz is not my forte or most expansive genre, but it doesn't take a trained ear to know Coltrane's magnus opus is musical genius.

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Jan 27 2024
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4

As a saxophonist, it almost feels criminal not to give Coltrane 5/5, but even though I am amazed by the techniques and improvisation that I could not dream if doing, Coltrane's style of jazz has never been my favourite. Still 4/5 because I can hear the influence of Coltrane through much other jazz that I do enjoy very much

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Jun 25 2024
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4

This was a really crisp and musical album. I'm not very well-versed in jazz, but the riffs and solos in the songs were fun and bouncy, all while blending into the chord progressions really beautifully. I hadn't listened to Coltrane before, even though I'd heard his name, so it was a really cool piece of music history to listen to him. I also took the opportunity to read about his life and career and it's so clear that he lived and breathed jazz and his passion for music was the reason his work was so groundbreaking.

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Jun 25 2024
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4

Love these style records. I’ve been playing more jazz in general but never sit down and throw on a full record. I think after I finish this full list I might find a best of jazz list as my next project.

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Sep 16 2022
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3

I enjoy jazz when accompanied by great food, or good conversations with wonderful friends. I also use it sometimes at work but not typically as my focal point of attention. I enjoyed this album, my least favorite being in part I when they keep vocalizing “a love supreme” and I was hoping this wasn’t a trend to continue. Luckily it wasn’t, I loved part II but I think part III was my favorite with how it started with the drums and had all these sections building.

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Apr 27 2021
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2

I am still trying to get more into jazz. This was an okay listen, and it wasn't necessarily difficult to get through but I'm not sure if I enjoyed it. Still, I appreciate the talent here.

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Jul 05 2022
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2

Sorry Jazz, you are just not my thing. It’s not you, it’s me.

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Mar 05 2024
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2

Couldn't finish. Too much anxiety

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May 07 2024
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2

I'm not super versed into jazz. I'm a barely casual enjoyer of the popular stuff. I like other Coltrane albums but this feels super weird and erratic for me. With runs going on for a long time to weird places, hitting accidentals that throw my ears off. Everything is purposeful in his album but the language he is speaking in, I'm not fluent in.

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Nov 05 2020
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5

if you at all know jazz this album should be in your radar

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Sep 30 2020
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5

Jazzy, lovely, timeless, nothing to not like here

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Apr 29 2021
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5

I need to dive deeper into Coltrane. This spoke to me and I want to know more of how and why. Ah, jazz.

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Mar 08 2021
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5

It's a classic for a reason. Experimental and beautiful.

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Feb 23 2021
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5

A classic album by one of the greats, I’ve never taken the time to really dig into Coltrane’s work but his talent and accomplishments are undeniable.

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Jan 15 2021
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5

I love everything about this album except for the part where they chant a Love supreme. the improvisations and overall Vibe are just so much fun, and it's interesting to think about where this one lives in history as Coltrane and Davis's relationship progressed

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Jan 22 2021
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5

Coltrane's sax texture is all over the map in the best possible way. THE BASS SOLO ON PART THREE!

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Feb 06 2021
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5

disco regalado a mama. muy buen saxofonista

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Jul 09 2021
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5

No i pojawil sie swiety Jan Jazzowy, dodatkowo tak blisko od siebie znalazly sie jedne z najwazniejszych plyt jazzowych, bo po ostatnim kind of blue nie sadzilem, ze szybko uslysze cos rownie dobrego, a tym razem, jak zreszta zazwyczaj, mylilem sie, wiec a love supreme, czyli synteza ewolucji jazzowej lat 50-60 zawarta w materiale, ktory bez slow opowiada swoja historie, moze nie do konca bez slow, bo jednak otwierajacy acknowledgment, zawiera chant ktory jest tytulem albumu, a powiazujac tytul traka z chantem dostajemy odpowiedz na pytanie co bedzie motywem przewodnim plyty, wdziecznosc za muzyke, wdziecznosc za zycie, wdziecznosc za cel, wdziecznosc za milosc, a jako ze Coltrane, ktorego okreslilem jako swietego byl mocno wierzaca osoba, praktykujaca wiare w Boga, bez przynaleznosci do scisle okreslonej religii, to dzielo prawdopodobnie bylo adresowane do niego, ma to sens takze patrzac na kolejne plyty, gdzie rowniez wyraznie widoczna jest nawet na samych tytulach ich duchowosc, ascension, aeditations, om, to tylko kilka z przykladow, wiec nie tylko jak trwoga to do Boga, ale takze z dziekczynnymi dzwiekami, a jak mozna lepiej podziekowac za talenty i cel w zyciu niz stworzyc plyte, ktora asymiluje eksperymepty modalno bebopowe jakie tworzyl na poprzednich materialach, wiec plyte otwiera modalnosc acknowledgementa, przechodzacy w kadencyjny resolution grany na 8 taktow, zeby przejsc do iscie bluesowego grania w 12 taktach na pursuance, a konczac znowu modalnosciowa ekspresja psalmu, zagrane z udzialem kwartetu coltrane na dwoch saksach, tenorowej i sopranowej, garrison na kontrabasie, jones na drumsach i dodatkowych gongach, no i tyner na klawiszach, jak w wiekszosci swoich przypadkow, najlepiej opowiada historie ten kto ja napisal, wiec scena jest mocno coltranowa pod tym wzgledem, zmniejszenie liczby instrumentow w nagraniach jazzowych na przestrzeni lat wplywa na to, ze latwiej jest stworzyc material dobry, bo mniejsza ilosc mozliwoych bledow, ale jednoczesnie ciezko stworzyc cos niezwyklego bo rzeczy nieslyszalne nigdzie indziej sa wlasnie czesto kwestia przypadku, ale w tym wypadku jest to z pewnoscia album wyjatkowy, nie tylko ze wzgledu na niasacy z soba muzyczny przekaz, ale rowniez jest kamieniem milowym w tworzeniu free jazzu, ktory pozwala na ekspresje tworcza zarowno kompozytora jak i grajacego, jako material podzielony na party ktore sie wzajemnie komplementuja i uzupelniaja powinien byc sluchany w calosci, wiec nie wrzucam tutaj nic na plejliste, a plyta juz byla od dawna oznaczona w biblioteczce krazkowej spotifaja, oby jak najwiecej takich pickow

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Mar 23 2021
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5

A dark, blurry, improvisational groove. There is something primal and transcendent going on here

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Apr 24 2021
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5

Love me some Jazz and this is up there with the best for me

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May 08 2021
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5

One of my favourite jazz albums!

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Feb 27 2021
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5

Clásico del jazz, no aburre nunca. Voltaje revienta el saxo. El batería es quizás lo mejor. Genial

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Jan 22 2021
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5

The greatest modern jazz record ?

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Mar 23 2021
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5

Acknowledgement Resolution Pursuance Psalm Jazz album

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Mar 11 2021
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5

a standard for jazz, definitely genre defining and must listen.

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Apr 21 2021
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5

I'm not sure if I'm able to give an informed comment on a classic jazz album. A reminder that I need to listen to more jazz. But this is a standard. 5 STARS!

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Jun 29 2021
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5

A beautiful jazz album. Relaxing and pleasant. Maybe the best jazz album I've listened to.

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Jun 29 2021
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5

50. Somos fumo e um fogo ligeiro. Definidos por pressa de acabar o que ficou para trás. Despacha lá isto, pá. Antes feito que perfeito. MotA: Pt. III - Pursuance

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Jul 28 2021
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5

I wanna play guitar like Coltrane plays sax

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Jul 31 2021
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5

5/5 probablement un des meilleurs dans son genre avec kind of blue. À écouter et réécouter et réécouter. Un classique

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Sep 03 2021
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5

A work of genius. Quite simply, if you don't like it you're wrong.

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Sep 05 2021
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5

this is another one i've been looking forward to coming up in the rotation. i know My Favorite Things very well, but this one hardly at all - until now! because, helpfully, the entire thing is here twice, and some of it 3x. so that's cool - i appreciate the efficiency story there. the complexity of this whole album is just mind-blowing. simple beats building to ridiculous rhythms, and coltrane's sax just climbing the walls...except when he hauls back hard on that line and manages to restrain it - but you know that thing just wants to wail for all it's worth, and when it does, there's nothing like it.

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Sep 16 2021
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5

What a talented 30 minutes. Great solos on all instruments, as good as jazz gets imo

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Sep 21 2021
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5

Great. Needs a lot more listening.

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Oct 04 2021
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5

I don't care what happened this week. Eryka started us off strong and John is finishing us stronger. How can you ask for anything more than the perfect four track 30 minute jazz session we get today? John looks mad in this album cover but it seemed like he was having a great time. Loved this.

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Oct 06 2021
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5

Dit is ultiem goated!!! Wat een artist wat een muziek. Hebbek nodig om vinyl voor die ultieme setting.

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Oct 13 2021
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5

Fantastic stuff. Can get a bit too manic at times so I can see why people might not like it. However, the manic never gets overwhelming and I'm not really sure how. A testament to his genius I suppose.

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Dec 10 2021
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5

Great album. Couldn't ask for better jazz.

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