John Coltrane :: A Love Supreme

After watching parts of Ken Burn Jazz PBS series recently, I am further convinced that A Love Supreme is my favorite jazz album of all time. I also learned that, like any style of music, I still have a lot to learn and discover in this genre. Although the jazz series seems to stick to the Wynton Marsalis school of jazz, with only about 2 minutes devoted to Miles Davis 70s output and no other jazz fusion artists, Coltrane receives quite a bit of attention. I had not realized he was only in his 40s when he died. Unlike Miles, he seems to be a nicer person. Ultimately, his quest for spirituality characterized him as someone who really was searching for a higher purpose, which I can respect. The first track off this album, "Acknowledgment" is just monumental, and provides some of my favorite moments of the album, if not in all music. Coltrane continues to reach higher and higher as he solos. Coltrane has influenced a number of artists outside jazz, and I especially like that fact that Mike Watt considers Coltrane his main influence and hero. The jazz series also mentions Sonny Rollins and his work as another important jazz saxophonist and some say the greatest living jazz musician. Sonny doesn’t live too far away from me, and although he did a show in New York City this summer, it would be great to see him do a more local show. Let me know if you want my help with booking something in the Hudson Valley, ok Mr. Rollins? Please consider a show at the Fisher Center at Bard College. Remember, they really like you there.