John Coltrane - A Love Supreme (13 tracks) +Album Reviews

The Remastering and Repackaging of a Classic.

The Groove | Boston, MA | 11/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

A Supreme Remastering of a Twentieth Century Masterpiece

o dubhthaigh | north rustico, pei, canada | 10/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

A Wonderful Package

S. Greer | Tallahassee, FL | 04/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Buy the 2 CD Edition. It is Worth Every Penny.

x | USA | 04/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

A supreme gift from Impulse for this year's Xmas

JEAN-MARIE JUIF | BESANCON France | 12/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

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