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 09/2008

    Ted Nash & Still Evolved
    – In The Loop

  • reviewed 07/2007

    BILLY BANG QUINTET FEATURING FRANK LOWE
    Above & Beyond: Live in Grand Rapids

  • reviewed 06/2005

    MeShell Ndegeocello
    The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance of the Infidel

  • reviewed 05/2007

    Various Blue Note Artists
    Somethin’ New

  • reviewed 03/2012

    ADAM KROMELOW TRIO
    Youngblood

  • reviewed 11/2016

    Shirley Horn
    Live At The 4 Queens

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.