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 A LOVE SUPREME

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Coltrane is a glass of whiskey on the rocks. It’s an early evening smoke on the patio. The second I hear the opening notes I’m transported back to a dinner party with friends. The music can get chaotic and sometimes repetitive, but it’s remains woven into the fabric of our past.

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.

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.

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

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.

I like the parts where the music was like doo da doo

No filler anywhere. Just Coltrane pushing a single idea until it burns. It’s the sound of someone who means it. If you only hear one album before you die, make it this one. Then go back and listen again.

Powerful and intricate, I could listen to this 100 times and continue to glean something different each time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Couldn't finish. Too much anxiety

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

A brilliant and timeless jazz record.

10/10

Immersive and kaleidoscopic piece of work - makes me want to be a bigger jazz head - which I will!

Not your normal jazz session. It’s momentous. Fantastic music. Not much else I can say.

Sup

One of the greats

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Grew on me a ton second listen, Psalm is so beautiful

She coltrane on my john.

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.

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

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.

Peppy yet mollifying.

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.

Me falta cultura para disfrutarlo de verdad xdd

So much jazz recently! I keep prefacing these reviews with "I'm not the biggest jazz fan. But I can appreciate it." This album is no different. Yeah, I mean, it was pretty good. It's just kind of background music for me at this point. Pleasant but not super engaging. Nothing Earth shattering for me. I feel like I need to listen to it again to process it more, but to be honest I just don't really want to. It feels like blasphemy rating Coltrane 2/5 because the man is a legend and obviously super talented, but it's just not my bag, baby.

I get it, this is classic John Coltrane, supremely sophisticated syncopation, rampant rattling rhythms. It's subversive to the wholesome big bad era that preceded. The jazz aficionados are lined up, looking down their noses, obliging me to rate this a 5. To me this is just jazzy, in the pejorative sense. It's like having an annoying squeaking sound in the car you try to root out and can't find, then you try to ignore it, but it wears out your subconscious mind. It's like cacophonous, chaotic traffic in Kathmandu. I do love horror-infused music, like Skinny Puppy, so maybe I should listen again and reframe it as intentionally terrorizing droning.

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.

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.

instrumental era o que eu tava precisando 10/10

Loved Supremely. A pillar of American and world music by an icon.

Truly a surpeme album.

Very smooth. A 5?

Great jazz! Enjoyed

What a great album; if you are to own one jazz album, this is it.

Great

Very smooth jazz album with appropriately great drumming and sax playing. It's mostly instrumental, which allows the spotlight to shine on that sax and those drums.

A masterpiece.

Pretty good for jazz. Aggressively attacking the symbols the whole album

Heady, Haunting

I listened to this on my way to work this morning, and didn't quite gel with it - which felt disappointing. I used to play sax many years ago and Coltrane is a legend... I had high expectations that were not met. I was all ready to pick apart the form and enjoy each player's solo and do all the usual melodic/chordal jazz things, and instead what I got was none of that. There's no structure, no system, no regular changes... just 33 minutes of through-composed modal/free jazz. In retrospect, I shouldn't have been surprised... the guy was a pioneer. I could tell it had some real raw emotional gold I wasn't seeing just under the surface, and certainly all the players have technical chops out the wazoo, but despite that I just didn't... get it? Connect with it? More than that, I couldn't work out what on earth I was going to rate this thing. So I did something I haven't yet done for any other album on this list: reserved my judgement for the time being, and listened a second time. First I did a bit of research. I wanted to understand - even on a surface level - what it was supposed to be. I had no idea that the last movement had words! On my second listen, I could hear the motifs more clearly; the deep acknowledgement of the love of the almighty, the screeching wails of a sinner desperately crying out to his lord... during that last movement I had the words of his prayer in front of me, following along with the saxophone as it called out to God. I am so glad I took the time to dig a little and listen again. This is a true masterpiece, that just needed me to pay closer attention to reveal its depth.

Lovely piano in pt. 1 Brass is gorgeous Very calming 7 mins is a bit long but worth it I think and it’s easy to do other things alongside the song— the time flies by Pt 2 A bit pacier than part one, more of a dance song than a sit and talk one Excellent saxophone (? I think) part Like the slowing down and acoustic at the end Pt 3 Again pacier than part two, lovely speedy sax and piano parts rushing into each other (pursuance, I suppose) Pt 4 Contrasts nicely to 3, slows down considerably— fits the title psalm well Builds up a little but never too much Darker tones perhaps than the others Heavy piano in the middle with a slow sax riff melting over the top Almost sounds like deliberate choking on the highest notes about 1:30 from the end Overall an incredible saxophonist

YEAH

Nice jazz easy listening without being too boring

I already have this album on my playlist. A true classic by a legend.

John Coltrane's **A Love Supreme** is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential jazz albums of all time. Recorded on December 9, 1964, and released in 1965, it represents a pinnacle of Coltrane's artistic and spiritual journey. This review examines the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with its strengths and weaknesses. ## 1. 🎵 Lyrics and Vocal Elements While *A Love Supreme* is primarily an instrumental album, it features a notable vocal component in the first movement, "Acknowledgement." Coltrane and his band members chant the phrase **"A love supreme"** as a mantra, repeating it with increasing intensity. This simple yet powerful refrain serves as the album's core spiritual message, reflecting gratitude and devotion to a higher power . In the final movement, "Psalm," Coltrane's saxophone playing is intended to mirror the words of a **poem** he wrote, included in the liner notes. The poem expresses thankfulness and praise to God, and Coltrane's saxophone phrases follow the rhythm and inflection of the text, effectively making his instrument "speak" the lyrics . This innovative approach blurs the line between instrumental music and vocal expression. ## 2. 🎷 Music and Composition *A Love Supreme* is structured as a four-part suite: - **"Acknowledgement"** introduces the iconic four-note motif, which Coltrane explores in all 12 keys, symbolizing the universality of divine love . - **"Resolution"** features a melodic and rhythmic drive, with Coltrane's saxophone and McCoy Tyner's piano creating a sense of determination and peace. - **"Pursuance"** includes a dynamic drum solo by Elvin Jones and showcases the band's improvisational prowess, blending intensity and technical mastery . - **"Psalm"** is a slow, meditative piece where Coltrane's saxophone mimics the cadence of his devotional poem, offering a solemn and uplifting conclusion . The album seamlessly combines **modal jazz**, **free jazz**, and **spiritual influences**, with the quartet (Coltrane, Tyner, Jones, and bassist Jimmy Garrison) operating at peak creativity. The music is both intellectually complex and emotionally accessible, making it a landmark in jazz history . ## 3. 🎛️ Production Quality The album was recorded at **Van Gelder Studio** in New Jersey, with engineer Rudy Van Gelder capturing the performance with clarity and depth. The production is minimalist yet powerful, allowing the raw energy and emotion of the quartet to shine through . However, some critics note that the **stereo mixing** is unconventional, with Coltrane's saxophone hard-panned to the left channel and the other instruments predominantly on the right. This can feel unbalanced, especially to modern listeners accustomed to centered mixes . Despite this, the production effectively conveys the intimacy and intensity of the performance. ## 4. ✨ Themes and Spirituality *A Love Supreme* is Coltrane's **spiritual declaration** to God, reflecting his gratitude and devotion after overcoming heroin addiction in 1957 . The album's four movements represent stages of spiritual awakening: - **Acknowledgment** of a higher power. - **Resolution** to pursue a righteous path. - **Pursuance** of that goal. - **Psalm** as a celebration of divine love . Coltrane's spirituality was eclectic, drawing from Christianity, Islam, Eastern religions, and universalist ideas . This inclusivity resonates deeply with listeners across cultural and religious backgrounds. ## 5. 📀 Influence and Legacy The album's impact extends far beyond jazz: - It influenced **psychedelic rock** artists like The Doors, Carlos Santana, and The Byrds, who incorporated its modal experimentation and spiritual themes into their work . - It inspired the formation of the **Saint John Coltrane African Orthodox Church** in San Francisco, which uses the album as part of its liturgy . - It remains a **benchmark for artistic integrity**, inspiring musicians across genres to explore spirituality and improvisation . ## 6. ️✅ Pros and Cons ### Pros: - **Spiritual and emotional depth**: The album transcends musical boundaries to offer a profound listening experience. - **Innovative composition**: Coltrane's use of modal jazz and thematic development set new standards for jazz suites. - **Timeless influence**: Its impact on music and culture remains relevant decades after its release. - **Cohesive performance**: The quartet's synergy is unparalleled, making every moment feel essential . ### Cons: - **Unconventional mixing**: The hard-panned stereo separation may distract some listeners . - **Challenging accessibility**: The album's abstract and spiritual nature may not resonate with all audiences . - **Lack of traditional structure**: Those expecting melodic hooks or familiar jazz patterns may find it disorienting. ## 7. 🏆 Conclusion *A Love Supreme* is a masterpiece that transcends genres and eras. Its blend of musical innovation, spiritual depth, and emotional resonance makes it a timeless work of art. While its production and abstract nature may pose minor challenges, its strengths overwhelmingly solidify its place as a landmark album in music history.

Jak na jazz bardzo fajne

9/10 Favourite: Pt. I - Acknowledgement Least Favourite: None

Somewhere along the way I have repeatedly tried giving Coltrane a go and I found myself very resistant except when he was more or less a sideman. But for whatever reason, A Love Supreme totally hit for me this time. I was expecting the be bop and modal workouts to turn me off or sound atonal, but I was all in from the jump. It’s a singular work, not a note out of place, etc.

Absolutely love jazz, wonderful album

100% classic, played by a master.

Beautiful album!

Coltrane's magnum opus. A perfect record in every conceivable way.

9/10

another arguably iconic and quite experimental jazz album. a suite, split into four parts... the album was recorded in only a day after coltrane experienced a spiritual awakening of sorts. modal jazz is a kind of jazz that, surprise surprise is based off of modes and scales, changing and hopping from one set to the next, and you can feel that even if you're not musically inclined. it's definitely all over the place when it comes to where the chords go, but that doesn't make it bad... in fact, quite the opposite. it's transcending jazz, this mere quartet pretty much whisking you away to the clouds. historically significant and an album that people do like in this day and age... i like it.

A perfect all-time classic

Wonderful album. Part IV!!

This is technical and beautiful and really well done. Great album.

An amazing and fulfilling slice of music.

A classic, one of my favorites. You really can’t go wrong with Coltrane.

Im to tired and lazy to write a full thing but this is one of my favourite albums of all time and im glad it’s here. Best jazz you’ll ever hear John Coltrane the goat. Favourite songs ALL OF THEM in giving this a 9.7 4.8/5

Masterpiece.

Up until about 10 years ago, I was jazz agnostic. I didn't know many jazz albums and it wasn't ever anything I would reach for. But over the last decade, I have really come to appreciate jazz and it is now maybe 20-25% of my overall listening. This one doesn't need any more praise than it already gets, and deservedly so! My favorite Coltrane album is more than likely Olé, but we are splitting hairs - this deserves to be one of the first jazz albums someone should listen to, and is so obviously a 5 star album that it shouldn't need to be said.

Amazing

No notes. If you like Jazz, hell, if you don't, you listen to this. A masterpiece.

Can't believe I used to hate jazz. Or mustard.

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