One of Coltrane's most profound musical statements. A Love Supreme - The Complete Masters collects many of the pieces of material that were recorded during the albums sessions in 1964. This comprehensive release gives the listener a clearer picture of the many directions the album may have taken, and how Coltrane's spiritual epiphany from 1957 influenced its final shape. Along with the recordings with his classic quartet, there is a second session with tenor saxophonist Archie Shepp, and a second bassist, Art Davis. Those recordings, featured here as The Sextet Session: December 10, 1964, provide more abrasive takes of "Acknowledgement" that probably would have found a smaller audience than what Coltrane ultimately released. A Love Supreme is one of Coltrane's most popular releases, here's what the mgmnt had to say when we first started carrying the album: My favorite jazz record of all time. Anytime a record can both drive you mad and ease your soul at different times is classic in my eyes. This Impulse! recording was right before Coltrane went way out, therefore you get hints of free playing, but within a more ordered frame. And I'd have to risk it and say, this was probably one of Coltrane's funkiest records although it is not funky at all. Broken into three movements, there is some definite strong ideas working here, unexplainable, but you can feel it. My rational side digs the first part with the classic bass line and band chants, but the repressed side of me bugs at the gradual chaos of the second and third parts. I've had some interesting moments walking around in the city with this in my headphones. It's some powerful shit. Released by Impulse! on triple vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve with a booklet.

• black triple vinyl pressing
• includes printed inner sleeve + booklet w/ liner notes + photos from the sessions
• original release year: 1965
• music label: Impulse! 2016

reviewed by Cool Hand 02/2016