The Music Complex

The Jazz Room

A Library of Jazz Resources: Jazz Books, John Coltrane


 

Here are a few suggestions for your jazz reading.

Jazz and Biography

 

These liner notes written by the great musician, John Coltrane, gives quite an insight to his creative thoughts in recording the "Love Supreme" album.

John Coltrane's Liner Note

 

DEAR LISTENER:

All Praise Be To God To Whom All Praise Is Due. Let us pursue Him in the righteous path. Yes it is true, "seek and ye shall find". Only through Him can we know the most wondrous bequeathal.

During the year 1957, I experienced, by the grace of God, a spiritual awakening which was to lead me to a richer, fuller, more productive life. At that time, in gratitude, I humbly asked to be given the means and privilege to make others happy through music. I feel this has been granted through His grace. ALL PRAISE TO GOD.

As time and events moved on, a period of irresolution did prevail. I entered into a phase which was contradictory to the pledge and away from the esteemed path; but thankfully, now and again through the unerring and merciful hand of God, I do perceive and have been duly re-informed of His OMNIPOTENCE, and our need for, and dependence on Him. At this time I would like to tell you that NO MATTER WHAT...IT IS WITH GOD. He Is Gracious and Merciful...His Way Is in Love, Through Which We All Are. It Is Truly--A Love Supreme--.

This album is a humble offering to Him. An attempt to say "THANK YOU GOD" through our work, even as we do in our hearts and with our tongues. May He help and strengthen all men in every good endeavor.

The music herein is presented in four parts. The first is entitled "ACKNOWLEDGMENT", the second, "RESOLUTION", the third, "PURSUANCE", and the fourth and last part is a musical narration of the theme, "A Love Supreme" which is written in the context; it is entitled "PSALM".

In closing, I would like to thank the musicians who have contributed their much appreciated talents to the making of this album and all previous engagements.

To Elvin, James and McCoy, I would like to thank you for that which you give each time you perform on your instruments. Also, to Archie Shepp (tenor saxist) and to Art Davis (bassist) who both recorded on a track that regrettably will not be released at this time; my deepest appreciation for your work in music past and present. In the near future, I hope that we will be able to further the work that was started here.

Thanks to producer Bob Thiele; to recording engineer, Rudy Van Gelder; and the staff of ABC Paramount records. Our appreciation and thanks to all people of good will and good works the world over, for in the bank of life is not good that investment which surely pays the highest and most cherished dividends.

May we never forget that in the sunshine of our lives, through the storm and after the rain--it is all with God--in all ways and forever.

ALL PRAISE TO GOD.

 

With love to all, I thank you,

John Coltrane


More Coltrane on our Links page

Go back to Jazz Books.

 

Cavalier Info | Band Room | Jazz Room | Midi Lounge | Contact Board

Bookstore | Music ED. | Music Review Links | Links | Email | Home

 

Order books Oline!

VISIT THE CAVALIER BOOKSTORE


Copyright © 1998 - Cavalier Productions.All rights reserved.