A bluffer’s guide: Essential jazz albums
4. A Love Supreme (1965) – John Coltrane
Spread over just four tracks and totalling just above the half an hour mark, 'A Love Supreme' is a brief, but incredibly rewarding listen. John Coltrane here cements his reputation as one of jazz's most respected saxophonists. Keeping the sessions loose are a double bass, drums and piano with the odd bit of vocals from Coltrane himself.
The album was meant to a be a spiritual representation of love and music, as Coltrane thanks a higher power for what has come his way. In typical modal jazz form, repetition is key to creating the groove that engulfs the music, allowing the listener to soak it up subconsciously. The final movement is of particular interest - Coltrane plays the words of a poem instead of speaking them.
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