Customer Reviews

A Love Supreme: The Legacy of John Coltrane

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Can't say that I have ever heard of this group. I was doing some research of grammy winners, and discovered them. I love jazz. I gave it a listen, and enjoyed it. It was sort of a guilty pleasure. Since the original love supreme is just so perfect, how in the world would these folks be able to play the music? So, I purchaced the CD, and really enjoyed it. I believe Coltrane would approve in that he would probably enjoy the fact that these gentleman took his music to a different level. I understand that he always tried to break the borders of the norm with regards to his performances and music. And, that is exactly what these guys did with this. Bravo!!

Besides all the favorable and enthusiastic critics I read 'bout this recording, I really decided to buy it, first because it's a re-lecture of a Jazz masterpiece we all love it; and second 'cause all these string quartets' crossovers with Jazz and/or Rock --in general-- produces a very good result.
And this was not different in this case of the TIQ's "A Love Supreme": the interpretations are fabulous and delicate, introspective and happy at the same time.
I really recommend this CD, not only due this artistic value, but also for those who knows how to appreciate an outstanding recording by Telarc engineers.
Only to add another 'hit' to the list, take care about two standard jazz tracks: Monk's 'Round Midnight, and Davis' So What. They're pure delight and pleasure for the ears and the soul!

I had listened to a review of this group some time back on NPR but didn't fully appreciate their excellence until I listened to this winner.

I heard these guys interviewed on NPR so I bought this CD. I didn't enjoy the CD as much as the interview. Just OK.

I am a not quite hardcore 'Trane affectionado and a very hardcore fan of classical string quartet music, and this CD comes over to me as flat.

Most of 'Trane's music has a tension to it that the TIQ's versions don't seem to pick up on resulting in music like a wine that doesn't have the acidity to balance its sugar content. It is cloying rather than refreshing.

That said, the music is enjoyable listening, at least for me, but it doesn't have the power of the original or even Branford Marsalis' cover. To me it is Coltrane Lite.

I particularly enjoyed Psalm and So What? The latter piece has a wonderful, low, pizzicato bass line from what sounds to me a double bass. I bought the MP3 download and failed to get the album notes. I played the bass in a small group at dances during my college days and this does not sound like a cello, but I may be wrong. I did not find Naima appealing at all.

I don't think this music translates well into a string quartet format. The secondary parts sound busy and contrived, with the exception of the previously mentioned bass line. My Favorite Things sounds easy listening/adult contemporary, not that magical treatment 'Trane gave it. I am very fond of the violin in Flatt and Scruggs' music and also in Bob Wills Group's music, but it doesn't connect in jazz, at least for me.

Give me a horn any time.