In its first instalment to a planned series of spiritual music from around the globe, David Byrne's Luaka Bop label will be releasing rare largely unheard recordings of Alice Coltrane. Titled World Spirituality Classics 1: The Ecstatic Music of Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda, the recordings were previously only available to her community on her 48-acre Sai Anantam Ashram just outside of Los Angeles.
Aided by Alice's children who retrieved the original master tapes from the Coltrane archives. The recordings were remastered by renowned jazz engineer Baker Bigsby (Ornette Coleman, Sun Ra, John Coltrane), who was present at the original sessions in the 80s and 90s. The compilation showcases Alice’s first vocal work to solo performances on her harp, small ensembles, and a 24-piece vocal choir. Drawing inspiration from Indian and Nepalese Vedic devotional songs, while never forgetting her bebop, blues and old-time spiritual roots, she creates a moving fusion of Western sensibilities and Eastern classicism.
The album features two additional tracks on vinyl and will be available on 5th May.
Check out her track 'Om Shanti' off the compilation and full tracklist below.
Tracklist:
01. Om Rama
02. Om Shanti
03. Rama Rama
04. Rama Guru
05. Hari Narayan
06. Journey to Satchidananda
07. Er Ra
08. Keshnava Murahara
09. Krisha Japaye*
10. Rama Katha*
* Available only on vinyl release