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— The Analog Vault // Essential Listening —

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of John Coltrane's masterpiece, A Love Supreme is presented in its mono mix for the first time in more than 50 years. Faithfully mastered from the original analog tapes by Ryan K. Smith, pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI and housed in a tip-on gatefold jacket.

Experience the surprising impact of A Love Supreme in mono: immediate, intense, unforgettable. Featuring the classic quartet of pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Jimmy Garrison and drummer Elvin Jones, A Love Supreme is one of the most honest musical performances put to tape. Its beauty and appeal are timeless.

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The defining album of legendary American jazz saxophonist John Coltrane’s storied career, A Love Supreme emerged as a prayerful paragon that was beyond reproach. Structured as a through-composed suite in four parts and delivered in praise of God - this modal, post-bop masterpiece was the sound of Coltrane’s spiritual awakening, existing in an exalted plane that few (if any) albums made before or since have been able to touch.

Recorded with Coltrane’s classic quartet - Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner and Jimmy Garrison - A Love Supreme was not just technically experimental, it was emotionally and conceptually ambitious. From "Acknowledgement" to “Psalm”, Coltrane eloquently translated his personal journey from darkness to enlightenment through his chosen medium of free jazz. The result was a magnum opus of divine proportions. — The Analog Vault

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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. Although sometimes aggressive and dissonant, this isn't Coltrane at his most furious or adventurous. His recordings following this period--studio and live-- become progressively untethered and extremely spirited. 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. 

Clocking in at 33 minutes; A Love Supreme conveys much without overstatement. It is almost impossible to imagine any jazz collection without it. — (via AllMusic)
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John Coltrane's A Love Supreme is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. Released in 1965, the album features Coltrane's quartet at the height of their creative powers, and is a testament to the saxophonist's spiritual and musical vision. The album is divided into four parts, each representing a different aspect of Coltrane's personal journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

The opening track, "Acknowledgement," is a meditative piece that features Coltrane's iconic "A Love Supreme" chant. This is followed by "Resolution," a high-energy piece that showcases Coltrane's virtuosic saxophone playing.

The third track, "Pursuance," is a dynamic, fast-paced tune with intricate solos by each member of the quartet. The album concludes with "Psalm," a reflective, hymn-like piece that features Coltrane's saxophone playing in a more subdued, spiritual mode. Throughout the album, Coltrane's playing is characterized by his signature "sheets of sound" technique, in which he plays rapid, complex runs of notes that seem to cascade and flow endlessly. The quartet's interplay is also exceptional, with each member contributing to the album's overall sense of improvisational freedom and musical unity. Trane's classic quartet of Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, and Jimmy Garrison together created one of the most thought-provoking albums of their relationship.

Lyrically, the album explores themes of spirituality, redemption, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The music is delivered with an intensity and sincerity that is palpable, making it a deeply moving and powerful listening experience. Overall, A Love Supreme is a landmark album that showcases Coltrane's unparalleled musicianship and profound spiritual insight. It's a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates music that speaks to the soul. — (via Label)

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Label: Impulse!
Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Mono, Gatefold, 180 Gram
Reissued: 2025 / Original Release: 1965
Genre: Jazz
Style: Free Jazz, Hard Bop, Modal

File under: TAV Essential Listening
File under:  Audiophile Jazz
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