A Love Supreme Review: A Spiritual Suite in Four Parts
10/10 — John Coltrane - A Love Supreme (1965)
Pros
- Intense, spiritual playing
- Tight quartet interplay
- Suite structure
Cons
- Demanding for newcomers
A Love Supreme is a four-part suite recorded in a single session by Coltrane’s classic quartet, with McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones. It was conceived as an offering of thanks to God.
What works
The playing is spiritual and fierce, from the opening gong and bass-line riff of ‘Acknowledgement’ to the shimmering ‘Resolution’. The quartet plays with remarkable unity, and the album repays repeated listening.
Where it falters
It’s challenging for newcomers to free-leaning jazz, and the chanted section of ‘Acknowledgement’ is an odd moment.
Verdict
A towering achievement that is also a gateway to deeper jazz.
