Album Reviews

Alice Coltrane

Translinear Light

2005-02-06

Sixty-seven year-old Alice Coltrane (widow of the legendary John) is joined by sons Ravi and Oran and other great names in jazz – Charlie Haden, Jack DeJohnette and Jeff “Tain” Waits – in this set, Alice’s first major recording in over 20 years.

She’s chosen three main themes to express her art – Indian/Hindu structures (#1, #4, #11); traditional spiritual/gospel foundations (#2, #5, #6); and homages to her departed husband (#7, #8, #9). The results are inspiring, sometimes challenging, but mostly rewarding. I’m drawn more to her piano work than the Wurlitzer or synthesizer numbers, but her talent shines in them all. (And thanks to a great supporting cast, too: Check out DeJohnette’s drum solo in “Leo.”)

Just as we’ve missed her husband, we’ve missed Alice, too. It is good – and important – to have her back.

Quick Links:

all reviews | all jazz reviews

More reviews tagged #Jazz

reviewed 01/2008
MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL 50TH ANNIVERSARY ALL-STARS
Live at the 2007 Monterey Jazz Festival
reviewed 11/2016
Mamutrio
Primal Existence
reviewed 10/2008
SAXOPHONE SUMMIT-(Michael Brecker, Dave Liebman and Joe Lovano)
SAXOPHONE SUMMIT
reviewed 04/2006
Larry Carlton
Fire Wire
reviewed 03/2007
Abram Wilson
Ride! Ferris Wheel To The Modern Day Delta
reviewed 03/2016
The U.S. Army Blues
Live At The Blues Alley

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.