Customer Reviews

A Love Supreme

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John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" is an elegant masterpiece. A flawlessly conceived suite with spiritual overtones, "A Love Supreme" features the saxaphonist at his most reverend and focused. The repackaged edition is an example of what happens when you take a great record and make it even better. Disc one has the entire album painstakingly remastered by Rudy Van Gelder, and the sound is significantly superior the original monaural mix. On the new version, we witness a huge improvement in clarity, and Coltrane projects even more fully than we've heard before. But disc two, which clocks in at 77 minutes, is the Real Deal for Coltrane completists. Those who have bootlegged copies of the France live recording can now toss them out the window, for that performance, along with a few alternative takes of other tracks, surfaces here. The live performance, recorded in July 1965, is a must-listen for any lover of jazz. In fact, in many respects, I think it's just as good as the original version. For example, I was really blown away by the live rendition of "Pursuance," which kicks off with a fierce two-and-a-half minute drum solo by Elvin Jones that must be heard to be believed. Coltrane then goes full throttle with his sax and amazingly holds his own during this 21-minute excursion which is sure to leave you amazed. "A Love Supreme" is one of those albums that you can't say "no" to. If you have to own any copy of this classic, this version is definitely the way to go. Not only is the sound quality better, but the outstanding live performance and alternative takes on disc 2 provide a more intimate look at this recording. Highly, highly recommended.

Rudy Van Gelder and the entire Impulse team deserve tremendous praise and gratitude for what a remarkable transformation in sound quality they have delivered on the studio and live performances of John Coltrane's immortal and masterful A LOVE SUPREME. Unless you've been listening to Afghan radio the past 35 years, you should have no doubt as to the importance of this work to the entire spectrum of Twentieth Century music. It is hard to imagine a more important composition or performance from any artist, let alone someone as immortal himself as the wonder inspiring John Coltrane.

That said, as happy as I have been with all of my copies, from vinyl to previous remasters, I was completely blown away by what I heard for the first time. I've had a number of Euro copies of the live performance, and by comparison, this CD makes those renditions sound like a cover band.

You'll have to take it at that. There is not enough space to discuss the overwhelming significance and the mighty protean performances in the studio and on the concert stage by Trane, Tyner, Garrison and Jones. They were firing on all cylinders at this point in their careers and what a mightily profound and soul stirring legacy they have left the rest of us mere mortals. John was clearly contemplating the image of God in this work, and this passion infused here is as terrifying as that of Francis of Assissi in mid-stigmata, or Gurdijeff in whirling dervish absorption, or the Boddhisatva at the moment of enlightenment. Passionately mystical, this work is one of a love supreme by its creator for his Creator. To think now you can hear it as closely as it is possible as John himself might have heard it - well, I can not tell you the stunningly profound impact it will have upon you.

Purchase this CD. It will live with you forever.

Not only does this set have wonderful remastered sound and the inclusion of the French performance to its name, as many reviewers have noted, but also studio takes of various movements played by an expanded ensemble, which are interesting bonuses.

Regarding the sound quality, let's begin with that of the main course, the original 1964 studio take of A Love Supreme. Balance is improved a little, and all the instruments sound fuller and truer. They've really polished a gem here, considering the original sound (as with any Impulse! recording) was good to begin with. Of course one couldn't expect any less with Blue Note's engineering maestro Rudy van Gelder at the helm. And as far as the sound of the live performance goes, the bass and piano sometimes get a little too far back for comfort, but even then they are still audible, so there is no real complaint about the recording quality of the live recording.

As for the live performance's playing - some of this stuff is off the hook. Listen to Elvin Jones crash into a fury in the opening of Pursuance, and Jimmy Garrison's bass solo in the middle of the same movement. That bass solo in particular will rip the hair off your head. Garrison plays the lumbering instrument like a flamenco guitar: something I've never heard quite matched. And of course Coltrane and Tyner reach for the heights themselves, as always, though it is the achievements of Elvin and Garrison that are important here, as they were seldom if ever given this much solo time in the studio.

As I've said, there's nothing wrong with the studio bonus takes. Shepp and Co. handle the material well, and their contributions are an interesting view on a long-beloved masterwork.

In short, if you are even remotely familiar with A Love Supreme and haven't clawed for a copy of this deluxe edition yet, your life is a shame.

If you are looking to add a copy of "A Love Supreme" to your collection, buy this 2 CD Deluxe Edition. It features the original album, sourced from an original master tape from EMI's London vaults, in its entirety on disc 1. The sonic quality of the recording is as good as it is going to get, although there is a little bit of hiss that is discernable during the quieter bass parts (it must be that way on the original tape?).

The real treat, though, is disc 2. Luckily, the only live version of "A Love Supreme" was documented in Antibes in 1965. It would have been an unspeakable tragedy if that music had just disappeared into the air. The live version is presented here in its best sound ever, as it is an excellent analog transfer from the original mono tape made by French national radio. Coltrane and the rest of the group stretch out extensively in the live rendition, without losing the shape and contour of the suite as originally recorded.

There are even some outtakes of "Resolution" and "Acknowledgment" that miraculously have been preserved. Particularly noteworthy is the December 10 session that features Archie Shepp in the group. Coltrane recorded over some of the original tape, but the fascinating version of "Acknowledgment" with Shepp has been extracted and luckily is available for mankind to study and enjoy, even though there are a few dropouts. This is an amazing, historical moment that has been preserved. The outtakes are the jazz equivalent of the Dead Sea Scrolls. That in itself is a good reason to buy the 2 CD edition.

The Impulse archives of John Coltrane's material seem to be inexhaustible.This 2CD set is one of the most magnificent things issued in 2002.Of course,you'll have to sell your old CD version of "A love supreme".Of course,you won't sell your old Impulse LP of the same title,because it is the original issue and you'll treasure it forever.But you'll have to buy this set,because, first,it includes the original remastered recordings,second,it includes two alternative takes of "Acknowledgement",recorded the same day with Archie Shepp and Art Davis,and third,because it also includes the first authorized issue on CD of "A love supreme",performed live at the Antibes Jazz Festival,France,on July 1965.
This amazing suite named "A love supreme" ,recorded in studio by the great Rudy Van Gelder,December 1964,is one of the most magnificent pieces of music made by Trane.This is the apogee of the great John Coltrane Quartet,with McCoy Tyner,Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones,and at the same time the end of this group.Jones will leave soon to be replaced by Rashied Ali.Of course,the music is outstanding.Many reviewers wrote about it,and I don't know what I could add to their writings.Here is some of the most essential music in the history of jazz music.At 39,Coltrane reaches a dimension rarely equalled by any jazz musician,except Bird,Louis,Billie,Lester or Monk.There is a fascinating climax here,created by Trane's terrific saxophone solos,as well as by Elvin's drums,McCoy's piano and Garrison's bass.A feeling of absolute mastery,of relaxing peace,and of definitive musical achievement.I first was amazed by this record when I was 15 years old.I played it,and played it,all day long.Now,22 years later,the same feeling of total happiness is in my mind when I listen to it.This is simply one of the most important jazz records of all times.
Personnaly,I'll forever treasure the studio session,because it is shorter than the live performance,and it gives me a feeling of perfection.Coltrane's solos are more concise.BUt who would complain of listening to another version of such a masterpiece?
And the two alternate takes of "Acknowledgement" prefigure the "Ascension" session,another achievement in Trane's music.Indeed,Impulse and Ravi Coltrane gave us a very beautiful gift for Christmas,issueing these tracks.

No sense in summoning adjectives to describe the original masterpiece...it's been done a million times here and elsewhere. Just a quick note to highly recommend the purchase of this disc for the "bonus" material. The live performance of the "Love Supreme" suite is one unbuckled freakazoid blowfest. If the studio performance was the measured Dr. Jeckyl, then the live recording on disc 2 is the eccentric Mr. Hyde (or is it the other way 'round?). Coltrane and the classic quartet briefly state the theme of each section and then quick launch into the stratosphere. Here we have plenty of squonking, screaching, and bellowing that more closely resemble the unmannered thoughts and emotions of real life. I, for one, love both recordings, but I cannot overstate the gratitude I feel for Impulse! in providing us an "authorized" (read: good audio) version of the live performance. After almost 40 years of existance, we in the 21st century get the privilege of hearing what was only performed live once in the classic quartet's history. The two performances represent two halves of a beautiful whole.

I typically disregard these "deluxe editions" as self-serving attempts by the glutonous recording industry to feed its own cash cow. This edition, my friends, is a noteworthy exception, and worth every ducat (regardless how many editions you've previously purchased).

One of the 20th century's greatest and most important works got better in this edition. The highs are crisper, the articulations clearer, and the lows more distinct than either the LP or earler CDs.

That said, I think the ancillary material (on disc 2), while interesting for JC fans, provides little improvement on the studio version. The live version from France (Summer '65) is unfocussed, ragged, and sounds like they're trying to find a groove (and never do) throughout the performance. While it pressage's John's "free form" period, this doesn't serve the piece well. Second, the 2 sextette cuts may be historically interestng, but the sound quality is poor and the playing sounds crowded.

The 2 alternate takes are not really alternates as they so closely match the final version.

Should you buy this CD? Yes, for the quality of the reissued studio version, but not for the additional material.

Just got this CD last week (it helps knowing people in the music business), and I am having a pretty good time with it. The first CD in this collection is the original A Love Supreme movement unchanged, just as I remember it. The second disc, however, is a true delight, taking on new forms and shading new light on the greatest jazz materpiece ever conceived. To start, how about a full live version of the entire movement from France, 1965. Apparantly this is the only time Coltrane ever performed the full movement. It is truly amazing, reaching about 50 minutes in length. The bass solo by Jimmy Garrison in Pursuance is mind-blowing. Coltrane reaches out there, but always keeps it true to the beauty that is A Love Supreme. Also included on Disc 2 are a couple of alternate takes of Resolution - very interesting to see which takes were left out (it must have been a tough decision). To end this wonderful re-issue, there are 2 takes of Acknowledgement which include not only the original quartet, but also additional bassist Art Davis, and Alto player Archie Shepp. Wow. Hearing the added musicians also adds new elements and dimensions to the original recording. 2 basses? Its a lot to absorb, but I am looking forward to it. To sum it up, one of the better reissues I've seen in a while. If the original album moves you, don't hesitate to pick up this truly wonderful collection. To quote Joshua Redman, "It is the first album I remember hearing, and I hope its the last."

Disc 1: A Love Supreme (remastered)
To all who have already got a copy of Supreme: DO NOT BE WITHOUT THIS. I have 2 previous versions on CD and the difference in so obvious it is staggering. You can hear the difference from the opening gong - it is incredible. Coltrane now sounds far left and Jones far right, as intended, rather than squashed a little towards the middle. The clarity of Jones' cymbals is enhanced as is the piano of Tyner. The vocal chant on Acknowledgement is clearer with more depth and the overdubs of the sax and drums on Psalm are more effective.

This version is worth the money alone! Darn, that gong is hot!!

Disc 2: Live and out-takes
This disc is all in mono and frequenctly breaks up. The live version should be listened to by all those learning to play the saxophone - it contains technical aspects of playing you ain't ever gonna read about in a book. Oh, if you have the Coltrane Quartet box set, you already have the primary out-take of Resolution.

PS. I strongly advice anyone who buys this to also buy Ashley Kahn's book on Supreme at the same time. In fact, you are missing out on the whole experience if you don't!

Overstated my title? No, I don't think so. For me this album is up there with the Rite of Spring by Stravinski and Axis: Bold as Love by Hendrix to name just two disparate yet amazing musically defining masterpieces. When I first heard A Love Supreme in the early '80s, I wasn't a jazz fan, this album turned me around. Coltrane's tonal explorations and melodic sense was unlike anything I'd ever heard before and sounded truly modern and unconventional. I was hooked. The sense of exploration and innovation were not limited to Coltrane alone. The classic quartet of McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones had been playing together for about 4 years by then and it shows. Their interplay is telepathic. That I'm a drummer also helped me appreciate to a great degree Elvin Jones mighty contributions to this album. He's a polyrhythmic master who never played better than when he was backing Coltrane. Pianist McCoy Tyner, whose style is instantly recognizable, is still playing today and a master in his own right. Jimmy Garrison isn't the flashiest bass player but he's rhythmically nimble and fit perfectly and subtly within the quartet.

Virtuosity aside, what truly hits me about this album is the emotion of the playing. This is one of the most emotionally moving albums I've ever heard, especially the first two compositions: Acknowledgement and Resolution. Tears come to my eyes; few albums affect me the way this one does. A Love Supreme perfectly illustrates Coltrane's then burgeoning spiritualiy. The first three compositions are like an ecstatic religious experience put to music. The album ends with the floating yet powerful Psalm that brings the listener gently back to earth. A desert island disk for sure and a must have for any music lover. It's simply a defining moment in jazz, in music period.

This is the album that made me truly listen to and explore the musical world of jazz. Without having listened to this album I might never have found out about the music of Charles Mingus, Ornette Colman, Duke Ellington, Art Pepper, Art Blakey, Lee Morgan, Miles Davis ect... Thanks John.