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:

More reviews tagged #Jazz

  • reviewed 04/2017

    Bobby Watson
    Made In America

  • reviewed 06/2007

    VARIOUS ARTISTS
    John Pisano’s Guitar Night

  • reviewed 10/2006

    Stanton Moore
    III

  • reviewed 03/2007

    Alex Garcia’s AFROMANTRA
    Uplifting Spirit

  • reviewed 03/2007

    AJA WEST
    The Olympian

  • reviewed 08/2006

    Rykarda Parasol
    Our Hearts First Meet

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.