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‘A Love Supreme’ at 60: Musicians celebrate the timeless work of jazz genius

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On December 9, 1964, renowned saxophonist John Coltrane, bassist Jimmy Garrison, pianist McCoy Tyner, and drummer Elvin Jones gathered at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. This single-day recording session produced a landmark piece of musical history, the album “A Love Supreme.” Six decades later, this album is universally recognized as one of the most significant ever made. It regularly appears on lists ranking the greatest albums, and it’s preserved in both the Smithsonian and National Recording Registry. In the United States, it has achieved platinum sales. Yet, its true influence — often compared to Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue” as one of the two most crucial jazz recordings — is best understood when discussed with musicians.

Frequently characterized as spiritual, contemplative, authentic, yearning, divine, longing, exquisite, transcendent, and deep, the four-section work titled ‘A Love Supreme’ – divided into ‘Acknowledgment’, ‘Resolution’, ‘Pursuance’, and ‘Psalm’ – holds the same significance for musicians as ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ or ‘The Great Gatsby’ does for young authors, or Pablo Picasso for aspiring artists. In my conversations with numerous esteemed musicians across all musical landscapes over several decades, Coltrane’s magnum opus is mentioned just as often as any album as a source of inspiration. To put it succinctly, ‘A Love Supreme’ has had an impact on popular music that rivals any single album.

Evidence supporting this is the assemblage of musicians who took turns discussing the significance of these pieces, in celebration of the 60th anniversary. Among the Coltrane enthusiasts interviewed were Flea, Q-Tip, Rakim, Kamasi Washington, St. Vincent, Common, Greg Dulli, Robert Glasper, Theo Croker, along with Grammy-winning producer Larry Klein and Jamie Krents, president of Verve Records, who will be releasing a special edition this Friday. Each one shared their initial encounter with the record, followed by reflections on its musicianship, meaning, impact, and enduring influence and legacy.

A powerful invitation or message from God, showcasing an indomitable spirit of love towards the extraordinary aspects of our chaotic world, “A Love Supreme” signifies the pinnacle that music can attain. According to Flea, it serves as a beacon for sanity, a beacon for beauty, and a reminder of human potential.

Introduction

Flea: I remember listening to “A Love Supreme” for the first time when I was a teenager. It wasn’t until my late teens that I truly grasped the immense power of this song, even though I didn’t believe in God or any divine concept at the time. The spirituality it conveyed was palpable, yet indescribable – something deep within me that I couldn’t put into words but still felt its presence. The opening notes would hit me like a thunderbolt with their raw intensity. This record resonates on so many different levels.

Robert Glasper: The first time I heard it was back in seventh grade; I purchased the album after one of my mom’s bandmates suggested it to me. I had been listening mainly to Kenny G, and he recommended I check out another saxophonist – John Coltrane. He advised me to get ‘A Love Supreme.’ To this day, I remember the moment vividly. I played it, got in the shower, everything was normal, but when the chanting started, it genuinely startled me because I wasn’t expecting any singing.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say: Back in 1984, I was spinning records at the Tower Records on the Sunset Strip. Each shift, I served as the DJ for an hour. One Friday night, one of my admired actors walked in regularly and asked me a question that would change my musical horizon – “Do you ever play jazz?” Being a 19-year-old from Ohio, my jazz knowledge was limited. So, he graciously shared two life-changing records with me: “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis and “A Love Supreme.” The mystery man behind this act of kindness? None other than Peter Falk! Fast forward to around 2003 with the Twilight Singers. I’ve always had a knack for incorporating covers into my performances, often pulling them straight from the ether. One such cover that found its way into our setlist was “A Love Supreme.” I even penned lyrics for it, altering them each night to keep things fresh.

Larry Klein: Young musicians rushing to the record store, they’d grab John Coltrane’s latest release as soon as it dropped. “A Love Supreme” was a significant shift from his previous work, truly remarkable, and each album represented a massive leap forward. Sadly, I didn’t have the opportunity to play alongside these jazz legends during his lifetime, but figures like Freddie Hubbard and Wayne Shorter were deeply impacted by him. I would always ask them about their experiences with him. They shared stories of visiting Coltrane’s home for practice sessions. They spoke highly of him, mentioning that he was incredibly focused and open-minded in his approach to developing his musical language.

Rakim: The first time I heard it, I was very young and didn’t fully comprehend its significance. Everyone else seemed ecstatic about it, but I was clueless about the whole thing. It wasn’t until perhaps months later that I learned the name of the record. In our household, it was a special moment for those listening, including myself as a 10-year-old kid who was the youngest member. There was always good music playing in my house, from jazz to Michael Jackson, and I was still trying to grasp its meaning being so young. When jazz played, it became a learning experience for me. Initially, I recognized the song but not its title, just “A Love Supreme.” However, as I learned more about Coltrane, I began to understand the depth of the title’s meaning and the passion behind that song. Listening to it now, I can appreciate where he was coming from, his intentions, and what he wanted us to feel through the music.

Musicianship

As a dedicated moviegoer, I can’t help but feel deeply connected to “A Love Supreme” by Kamasi Washington. This album has evolved for me, becoming more than just a record; it’s like a living entity that has grown with me. Though I was familiar with it from my childhood, it wasn’t until I claimed it as my own that the track “Pursuance” resonated most strongly. I found myself clinging to it for years, marveling at the wealth of music contained within a single song.

As I matured, I found solace in “Resolution.” Upon hitting play, I would immediately be drawn to this track before exploring the rest of the album. “Acknowledgement” followed suit, completing a trilogy that fills me up creatively each time I listen. The music is brimming with spirit, and words fall short when trying to capture its essence. Each listen feels like a recharge for my creative soul.

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I: His horn’s melodies, the structure of his songs, his knack for mining deep emotions and lifting them to the heavens or letting them gently land on the track, it’s nothing short of courageous. It carries the spirit of rock and roll, but not in the traditional sense of long-haired white boys with Stratocasters. Instead, it’s about raw, uninhibited sound that is both powerful and harsh, yet speaks volumes without uttering a single word. He pushes you to the edge, and once you’re there, you’re drawn in. You feel it even if you’re not a jazz enthusiast. The sound is so unique that it becomes a conversation starter. It’s avant-garde yet unpretentious, gospel without sermons, primal yet subdued, beautiful yet robust. Listening to him play is like witnessing waves crashing or a stone being thrown into a lake and watching the ripples spread. It’s a magnetic experience.

Glasper: When you’re young, learning music is often more about the technical aspects: “That sounds interesting, let me learn this riff, let me master the language.” However, as you grow older, music becomes something deeply felt and spiritual for many. For me, this shift occurred as I got older. I didn’t connect with Trane in the same way when I was younger. Back then, it was all about McCoy [Tyner]. I was captivated by his licks and speed, focusing on the technical aspects. Now, as an adult, I appreciate what people meant when they spoke of Trane. He was expressing emotions, experiences, and aspects of life that resonate with grown people. Listening to him now, I can fully understand why he played the way he did, grasping the significance of his perspective.

Jimmy Garrison, it seems, is one of the most underestimated jazz bassists out there. His talent is simply extraordinary, evident in everything he’s ever done. He plays exceptionally well with Trane, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to create a hypnotic, deep bass line that feels like a voodoo trance. The warmth in his music is something I’ve never encountered before, and without Jimmy Garrison, “A Love Supreme” might not have existed. He lays the foundation for Coltrane so beautifully, creating an endless well of grooves and greatness.

In my perspective, the essence of “A Love Supreme” has grown clearer to me over time, intensifying its spiritual resonance. From a performance standpoint, the energy and spirit permeating this album and each recording seem to improve with age. Initially, listening to it, you sense a powerful impact, a strong spiritual presence. As I evolve as a musician, improving my skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the music I hear before, “A Love Supreme” feels akin to a blues record for me. The simplicity in it underscores its message: it’s all about feeling, the potency behind the notes and the music itself. The technical aspects such as chord progressions, complexity, or how avant-garde it is, hold less significance compared to the spirituality inherent in playing it.

Meaning

St. Vincent: You can sense someone who gives an unvarnished account of what it means to be human, and for musicians, understanding that music is far greater than any individual, and it’s a privilege if you manage to grasp even a fleeting moment of its divine power – whether it’s an hour, three minutes, or anything in between. But capturing that lightning bolt is always a struggle. It’s both agonizing and exhilarating, and it’s the most stunningly beautiful experience. It reaches such profound depths.

For me, the album “A Love Supreme” resonates with my soul on multiple levels as I mature. It’s a work of art that transforms along with me. The love, spirituality, and divine essence it embodies are evident to me. I perceive God in it, and I see unity in it. I sense tranquility in it. I have played this music during challenging moments when I needed solace, as well as during peaceful times like sharing a relaxing evening with a loved one or simply unwinding while writing. It has also accompanied me on long drives along the Pacific Coast Highway, helping me maintain a calm and meditative state.

As a Cinema Enthusiast, I’ve Learned: This work stirred within me an intense affection for its subject matter. His relentless repetition of [“A Love Supreme“] was a deliberate attempt to evoke the same emotional response he held. It could be applied to any topic. It’s the intensity that counts. And, as we discussed earlier, different individuals may have perceived it in various ways. Some might have seen it as a testament to their spouse’s love, while others might have viewed it as a reminder of the need for unadulterated affection. It provided numerous avenues for interpretation, and each one was valid and meaningful.

Washington often viewed love as the greatest power or essence. To him, love was the highest form of love itself. Simply put, possessing love is the most superior state. He also believed that God embodies love, and this perspective seemed to be a fundamental aspect of his life’s teachings. In essence, he saw love as the ultimate good – a force capable of embracing everything.

Influence

On a track from my previous album titled “Broken Man,” there are instances where at the end, saxophones enter and deliver abrupt stabs that are intense yet wildly freeform. I didn’t explicitly tell them to mimic Coltrane, but perhaps the rhythmic structure can be compared to modal baselines that evoke a sense of “A Love Supreme.

I’ve created a song titled “Love Is…” that carries elements of “A Love Supreme.” The idea behind incorporating my father’s voice in some of my albums, especially in spoken word segments, stemmed from the emotional resonance that “A Love Supreme” evokes within me. It could potentially be an instrumental track with spoken words, as I found myself inspired to write over “Love Supreme,” and unconsciously, certain songs have been impacted by it. Interestingly, I’ve attempted to utilize it in my books on multiple occasions.

The jazz artists I trained under were deeply influenced by his records, particularly “A Love Supreme,” which stood out from other contemporary jazz releases due to its unprecedented freedom, spirituality, and meditative qualities. This record received criticism from some jazz musicians who prioritized technical virtuosity, as they found it disappointing. However, I admired virtuosity to an extent but believed that the true essence of jazz lay in lyricism and evoking emotions in listeners. To me, “A Love Supreme” was electrifying, and forward-thinking musicians viewed it as a significant leap forward in expanding the boundaries of jazz.

Rakim recounts the genesis of his unique rapping style: Initially unsure, he’d listen to a John Coltrane record in his parents’ basement. What struck him was Coltrane’s improvisation – never playing the same melody twice. Inspired by this, Rakim decided to avoid repeating bars or rhythms in his own lyrics. From his debut records, he never repeated a rhythm or rhyme scheme. Instead, he constantly changed his flow. This was due to John Coltrane’s influence; Rakim admired the energy and emotion he brought into his music, which he then incorporated into his own rapping style.

Legacy

There’s a unique quality about John Coltrane and Bach – they have an extraordinary ability to reach beyond conventional boundaries, elevating themselves to a higher plane. This is what makes their work timeless and universally appreciated. I often turn to “A Love Supreme” in significant moments of my life; it was the song we played as we walked down the aisle at our wedding six years ago. When my children were born, I played “A Love Supreme” on my boombox right after they were delivered, welcoming them into a world filled with both beauty and pain. The message of the song is profound: life will bring suffering, betrayal, hurt, and moments when we may cause pain to others, consciously or unconsciously. But amidst all this, there are experiences of breathtaking beauty that transcend our understanding, and it is these experiences that define human potential at its very best.

St. Vincent describes this record as containing a deep sense of pain. There’s an attempt to reach the heavens, a strong feeling of righteousness, like something so powerful it demands reverence. In her words, it’s almost as if she’s encountering God, the ultimate embodiment of the divine, in its grandest and most complicated form. This was her initial experience with it, and it continues to be her experience today. However, her understanding and interpretation of what is sacred and divine have evolved and transformed over time as she has grown older.

If I were to choose an album that I’ve played the most throughout my life, particularly during my adulthood, it would be “A Love Supreme” by John Coltrane. Just like “The Godfather” is a timeless classic film, “A Love Supreme” holds a similar status as one of the greatest artistic creations ever bestowed by God. It’s a work that will always inspire and move people, making it a permanent part of our world.

John Coltrane infused every note he played with deep meaning. His exceptional technical skills and musicality were just the tip of the iceberg; there was always a profound spirit behind his work. This essence, whatever he was attempting to express beyond music, was palpable in his compositions. The love he conveyed is universal, transcending boundaries of person, profession, and species. I believe it’s this love that resonates with listeners, drawing them in. When you immerse yourself in his music, you become a witness to something profound, a glimpse into the divine.

Q-Tip’s Thought: Music seems to be similar to life’s development on a deeper level. For example, if we consider life as a growing baby, at first you see the adorable eyes, cheeks, and other innocent features. As it grows, those same features change and develop, with teeth appearing, words being spoken, and personality emerging. I believe “A Love Supreme” is much like this because initially, when I heard it, I was amazed (“Wow”). But as time goes by, the music evolves, revealing new aspects that I didn’t notice before. This album is like a baby transforming, continually changing and maturing. Similarly, when you listen to a great song or piece of music, you often hear something different each time, discovering new layers that you may not have noticed earlier.

User: In my perspective, I’m someone who embraces spirituality without adhering strictly to organized religion. For me, powerful music has the same effect as spiritual experiences – it stirs something deep within and transports me. When I play in a rock band and channel that energy from some mysterious source, I feel it’s imbued with spiritual significance for me. This unexpected inspiration struck during another song, which I integrated into our performance. Over time, while touring, we refined this addition and eventually, I found myself performing the entire song. To me, there was an innate power in that tune that has likely been with me since my teenage years.

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In a transformative moment for me, I lost my mother back in 2004. Since then, life has taken on a new dimension, filled with meaningful connections, heartbreaks, and losses of loved ones. I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of drugs, racism, and police violence in America. Tragically, I’ve seen it all, from families torn apart by addiction to senseless acts of violence. Reflecting on this journey, I find striking parallels with John Coltrane’s life experiences, particularly during his struggle with drug addiction and eventual spiritual awakening. Like him, I too have discovered a deeper sense of spirituality, which resonates powerfully in my own life. As Trane found solace and renewal through his music, so too have I found my own path to personal growth and faith.

You might say: In this scenario, John Coltrane is similar to Martin Luther King Jr. during his “I Have a Dream” speech. The comparison may seem simple, but it carries a powerful message. Just as King was a master orator with his audience as his congregation, John Coltrane functions as a virtuoso musician on this album, with his band serving as his backup. This work encompasses many of the common features found in jazz today, such as a spiritual tone through drone, an eight-bar structure, playing the blues, and a sort of counterargument or response. Essentially, these elements have become part of the standard jazz repertoire.

As a devoted music enthusiast, I find “A Love Supreme” to be extraordinarily significant due to its uncategorizable nature. While it’s often labeled as spiritual jazz, the wide range of perspectives from the musicians I’ve conversed with reveals its profound influence on individuals from diverse musical backgrounds, including those deeply rooted in punk rock, as well as dedicated jazz musicians and music lovers alike.

This versatility is one reason I believe it has endured, and it’s truly awe-inspiring to celebrate the 60th anniversary of this masterpiece while still finding it as relevant and fresh as any contemporary work I’ve heard this year. This statement isn’t made lightly.

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2025-02-06 14:33

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