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 01/2009

    THE BAD PLUS
    For All I Care

  • reviewed 05/2008

    SIMONE
    Simone on Simone

  • reviewed 11/2007

    LUCIANA SOUZA
    The New Bossa Nova

  • reviewed 01/2008

    CHARLIE HUNTER AND BOBBY PREVITE/GROUNDTRUTHER
    ALTITUDES

  • reviewed 10/2012

    PETE ESCOVEDO
    LIVE FROM STERN GROVE

  • reviewed 05/2014

    JESSICA WILLIAMS
    With Love

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.