Alice Coltrane
Encyclopedia
Alice Coltrane, née McLeod (August 27, 1937 – January 12, 2007) was an American jazz
pianist
, organist
, harp
ist, and composer
.
in Paris, France where she worked as the intermission pianist at the Blue Note Club in 1960. It was there that she was broadcast on French television in a performance with Lucky Thompson, Pierre Michelot and Kenny Clarke. She began playing jazz as a professional in Detroit, with her own trio and as a duo with vibist
Terry Pollard
. She married Kenny Hagood in 1960 and had a daughter (Michele) from that union. From 1962 to 1963 she played with Terry Gibbs
's quartet, during which time she met John Coltrane
. In 1965 they were married in Juárez, Mexico and in January, 1966 she replaced McCoy Tyner
as pianist with John Coltrane's group. She subsequently recorded with him and continued playing with the band until his death on July 17, 1967. John Coltrane became stepfather to Alice's daughter Michele (Miki), and the couple had three children: drummer
John Jr. (1964–1982), and saxophonists Oranyan (b. 1967) and Ravi
(b. 1965).
After her husband's death she continued to play with her own groups, later including her children, moving into more and more meditative music. She was one of the few harpists in the history of jazz and recorded many albums as a bandleader. Her essential recordings were made in the late 1960s and early 1970s for Impulse! Records
.
Coltrane was a devotee of the Indian guru
Sathya Sai Baba
. In 1972, she moved to California
, where she established the Vedantic
Center in 1975. By the late 1970s she had changed her name to Turiyasangitananda. Coltrane was the spiritual director, or swami
ni, of Shanti Anantam Ashram
(later renamed Sai Anantam Ashram in Chumash Pradesh) which the Vedantic Center established in 1983 near Malibu, California. On rare occasions, she continued to perform publicly under the name Alice Coltrane.
The 1990s saw renewed interest in her work, which led to the release of the compilation Astral Meditations, and in 2004 she released her comeback album Translinear Light
. Following a twenty-five-year break from major public performances, she returned to the stage for three U.S. appearances in the fall of 2006, culminating on November 4 with a concert for the San Francisco Jazz Festival
with her son Ravi, drummer Roy Haynes
, and bassist Charlie Haden
.
In 1994, Coltrane appeared on the Red Hot Organization
's compilation CD, Stolen Moments: Red Hot + Cool. The album, meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic in African American society was named "Album of the Year" by Time Magazine.
Alice Coltrane died of respiratory failure
at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center in suburban Los Angeles. She is buried alongside her late husband John Coltrane in Pinelawn Memorial Park, Farmingdale
, Suffolk County, New York
.
Paul Weller dedicated his song "Song For Alice (Dedicated to the Beautiful Legacy of Mrs. Coltrane),"
from his album 22 Dreams
, to Coltrane; the track entitled "Alice" on Sunn O)))
's 2009 album Monoliths & Dimensions
was similarly inspired. Electronic musician Flying Lotus
is the nephew of Alice Coltrane.
With Terry Gibbs
With Charlie Haden
With Joe Henderson
With McCoy Tyner
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
pianist
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
, organist
Organ (music)
The organ , is a keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played with its own keyboard operated either with the hands or with the feet. The organ is a relatively old musical instrument in the Western musical tradition, dating from the time of Ctesibius of Alexandria who is credited with...
, harp
Harp
The harp is a multi-stringed instrument which has the plane of its strings positioned perpendicularly to the soundboard. Organologically, it is in the general category of chordophones and has its own sub category . All harps have a neck, resonator and strings...
ist, and composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
.
Biography
Born in Detroit Michigan, Coltrane studied classical music, and also jazz with Bud PowellBud Powell
Earl Rudolph "Bud" Powell was an American Jazz pianist. Powell has been described as one of "the two most significant pianists of the style of modern jazz that came to be known as bop", the other being his friend and contemporary Thelonious Monk...
in Paris, France where she worked as the intermission pianist at the Blue Note Club in 1960. It was there that she was broadcast on French television in a performance with Lucky Thompson, Pierre Michelot and Kenny Clarke. She began playing jazz as a professional in Detroit, with her own trio and as a duo with vibist
Vibraphone
The vibraphone, sometimes called the vibraharp or simply the vibes, is a musical instrument in the struck idiophone subfamily of the percussion family....
Terry Pollard
Terry Pollard
Terry Pollard was a jazz pianist prominent in the Detroit jazz scene of the 1940s and 1950s. She has been described as a "major player who was inexplicably overlooked."...
. She married Kenny Hagood in 1960 and had a daughter (Michele) from that union. From 1962 to 1963 she played with Terry Gibbs
Terry Gibbs
Terry Gibbs is an American jazz vibraphonist and band leader.He has performed and/or recorded with Tommy Dorsey, Chubby Jackson, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Louie Bellson, Charlie Shavers, Mel Tormé, Buddy DeFranco, and others...
's quartet, during which time she met John Coltrane
John Coltrane
John William Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and later was at the forefront of free jazz...
. In 1965 they were married in Juárez, Mexico and in January, 1966 she replaced McCoy Tyner
McCoy Tyner
McCoy Tyner is a jazz pianist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known for his work with the John Coltrane Quartet and a long solo career.-Early life:...
as pianist with John Coltrane's group. She subsequently recorded with him and continued playing with the band until his death on July 17, 1967. John Coltrane became stepfather to Alice's daughter Michele (Miki), and the couple had three children: drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
John Jr. (1964–1982), and saxophonists Oranyan (b. 1967) and Ravi
Ravi Coltrane
Ravi Coltrane is an American post-bop jazz saxophonist. Co-owner of the record label RKM Music, he has produced artists such as pianist Luis Perdomo , guitarist David Gilmore and trumpeter Ralph Alessi....
(b. 1965).
After her husband's death she continued to play with her own groups, later including her children, moving into more and more meditative music. She was one of the few harpists in the history of jazz and recorded many albums as a bandleader. Her essential recordings were made in the late 1960s and early 1970s for Impulse! Records
Impulse! Records
Impulse! Records was an American jazz record label, originally established in 1960 by producer Creed Taylor as a subsidiary of ABC-Paramount Records, based in New York City...
.
Coltrane was a devotee of the Indian guru
Guru
A guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others . Other forms of manifestation of this principle can include parents, school teachers, non-human objects and even one's own intellectual discipline, if the...
Sathya Sai Baba
Sathya Sai Baba
Śri Sathya Sai Baba , born as Sathyanarayana Raju was an Indian guru, spiritual figure, mystic, philanthropist, and educator. He claimed to be the reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi, a spiritual saint and miracle worker who died in 1918 and whose teachings were an eclectic blend of Hindu and...
. In 1972, she moved to California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, where she established the Vedantic
Vedanta
Vedānta was originally a word used in Hindu philosophy as a synonym for that part of the Veda texts known also as the Upanishads. The name is a morphophonological form of Veda-anta = "Veda-end" = "the appendix to the Vedic hymns." It is also speculated that "Vedānta" means "the purpose or goal...
Center in 1975. By the late 1970s she had changed her name to Turiyasangitananda. Coltrane was the spiritual director, or swami
Swami
A swami sometimes abbreviated "Sw." is an ascetic or yogi who has been initiated into the religious monastic order founded by Adi Sankara, or to a religious teacher.The Oxford English Dictionary gives the etymology as...
ni, of Shanti Anantam Ashram
Ashram
Traditionally, an ashram is a spiritual hermitage. Additionally, today the term ashram often denotes a locus of Indian cultural activity such as yoga, music study or religious instruction, the moral equivalent of a studio or dojo....
(later renamed Sai Anantam Ashram in Chumash Pradesh) which the Vedantic Center established in 1983 near Malibu, California. On rare occasions, she continued to perform publicly under the name Alice Coltrane.
The 1990s saw renewed interest in her work, which led to the release of the compilation Astral Meditations, and in 2004 she released her comeback album Translinear Light
Translinear Light
Translinear Light is the last studio album released by Alice Coltrane. It was produced by her son, Ravi Coltrane, and released in 2004. All compositions by Alice Coltrane with the exception of 4 traditional compositions in addition to "Crescent" and "Leo" which were written by her late husband...
. Following a twenty-five-year break from major public performances, she returned to the stage for three U.S. appearances in the fall of 2006, culminating on November 4 with a concert for the San Francisco Jazz Festival
San Francisco Jazz Festival
Debuting in 1983, the San Francisco Jazz Festival is an annual three-week celebration of today's best music, with over 30 concerts. Produced by SFJAZZ, a non-profit organization dedicated to jazz and jazz education...
with her son Ravi, drummer Roy Haynes
Roy Haynes
Roy Owen Haynes is an American jazz drummer and bandleader. Haynes is among the most recorded drummers in jazz, and in a career lasting more than 60 years has played in a wide range of styles ranging from swing and bebop to jazz fusion and avant-garde jazz...
, and bassist Charlie Haden
Charlie Haden
Charles Edward Haden is an American jazz musician. He is a double bassist, probably best known for his long association with saxophonist Ornette Coleman...
.
In 1994, Coltrane appeared on the Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization is a not-for-profit, 501 3, international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture.Since its inception in 1989, over 400 artists, producers and directors have contributed to over 15 compilation albums, related television programs and media events to raise...
's compilation CD, Stolen Moments: Red Hot + Cool. The album, meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic in African American society was named "Album of the Year" by Time Magazine.
Alice Coltrane died of respiratory failure
Respiratory failure
The term respiratory failure, in medicine, is used to describe inadequate gas exchange by the respiratory system, with the result that arterial oxygen and/or carbon dioxide levels cannot be maintained within their normal ranges. A drop in blood oxygenation is known as hypoxemia; a rise in arterial...
at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center in suburban Los Angeles. She is buried alongside her late husband John Coltrane in Pinelawn Memorial Park, Farmingdale
Farmingdale, New York
The Village of Farmingdale is an incorporated village on Long Island within the Town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County, New York in the United States...
, Suffolk County, New York
Suffolk County, New York
Suffolk County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York on the eastern portion of Long Island. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,493,350. It was named for the county of Suffolk in England, from which its earliest settlers came...
.
Paul Weller dedicated his song "Song For Alice (Dedicated to the Beautiful Legacy of Mrs. Coltrane),"
from his album 22 Dreams
22 Dreams
22 Dreams is the ninth solo studio album by Paul Weller. It was released on June 2, 2008.The album was released on double LP and single CD, as well as a deluxe edition CD, featuring a bonus CD with outtakes and extra tracks. Oasis stars Noel Gallagher and Gem Archer feature on the album, as does...
, to Coltrane; the track entitled "Alice" on Sunn O)))
Sunn O)))
Sunn O))) is an American doom metal band known for its synthesis of diverse genres including drone, ambient, noise, and black metal. Supported by a varying cast of collaborators, the band has two core members: Stephen O'Malley and Greg Anderson .-History:Sunn O))) is named after the Sunn...
's 2009 album Monoliths & Dimensions
Monoliths & Dimensions
Monoliths & Dimensions is the seventh studio album by the avant-garde drone doom band Sunn O))). The album was created and recorded over a period of two years and features the collaborations of composer Eyvind Kang, Australian guitar player Oren Ambarchi, Hungarian vocalist Attila Csihar, Dylan...
was similarly inspired. Electronic musician Flying Lotus
Flying Lotus
Flying Lotus, is an experimental multi-genre music producer from Winnetka, California. His debut album, 1983, was released on Plug Research Records in 2006...
is the nephew of Alice Coltrane.
As a leader
- A Monastic TrioA Monastic TrioA Monastic Trio is the first solo album by Alice Coltrane. Recorded in 1968 , she intended it to be a tribute to her husband, John Coltrane, who had died the year before.-Reception:...
(Impulse!, 1967) - Cosmic MusicCosmic MusicCosmic Music is a jazz album by John Coltrane and Alice Coltrane. It was originally released after John Coltrane's death. On this release, John Coltrane actually only plays on Manifestation and Reverend King...
(Impulse!, 1966-68) with John ColtraneJohn ColtraneJohn William Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and later was at the forefront of free jazz... - Huntington Ashram MonasteryHuntington Ashram Monastery-Reception:The Allmusic review awarded the album 4 stars.-Track listing:#"Huntington Ashram Monastery" – 5:36#"Turiya" – 4:22#"Paramahansa Lake" – 4:37#"Via Sivanandagar" – 6:09#"IHS" – 8:50...
(Impulse!, 1969) - Ptah, the El DaoudPtah, the El DaoudPtah, the El Daoud is the third solo album by Alice Coltrane.This was Coltrane's first album with horns . Sanders is recorded on the right channel and Joe Henderson on the left channel throughout.All the compositions were written by Coltrane...
(Impulse!, 1970) - Journey in SatchidanandaJourney in SatchidanandaJourney in Satchidananda is the fourth solo album by Alice Coltrane. Its title reflects Coltrane's inspiration by Swami Satchidananda, to whom she had become close, and whose disciple she was....
(Impulse!, 1970) - Universal ConsciousnessUniversal ConsciousnessUniversal Consciousness was the fifth solo album released by Alice Coltrane in 1972 on Impulse! Records. It was re-released on CD in 2002.-Reception:...
(Impulse!, 1972) - World GalaxyWorld Galaxy-Reception:The Allmusic review by Thom Jurek awarded the album 4½ stars stating "This set may take some getting used to for some, but it's easily one of the strongest records Alice Coltrane ever released, and one of the finest moments in jazz from the early '70s"....
(1972) - Lord of Lords (1973)
- John Coltrane: InfinityJohn Coltrane: InfinityJohn Coltrane: Infinity is an album by Alice Coltrane, overdubbing recordings by her late husband John Coltrane, which was released on Impulse! Records in 1972...
(1973) - Reflection on Creation and Space (a Five Year View) (1973)
- Illuminations (1974) with Carlos SantanaCarlos SantanaCarlos Augusto Alves Santana is a Mexican rock guitarist. Santana became famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which pioneered rock, salsa and jazz fusion...
- EternityEternity (Alice Coltrane album)Eternity is an album released by Alice Coltrane in 1975.Tracklist:1. Spiritual Eternal 2:57 2. Wisdom Eye 3:10 3. Los Caballos 11:27 4. Om Supreme 9:28 5. Morning Worship 3:36...
(1975) - Radha-Krisna Nama Sankirtana (1976)
- TranscendenceTranscendence (Alice Coltrane album)Transcendence is an album released by Alice Coltrane in 1977....
(1977) - Transfiguration (1978)
- Turiya Sings (1982)
- Divine SongsDivine SongsDivine Songs is an album by Swamini Turiyasangitananda, formerly known as Alice Coltrane. It is an album composed of devotional songs from the Hindu religion. The songs are accompanied by Turiya's signature playing on the Wurlitzer organ...
(1987) - Infinite Chants (1990)
- Glorious Chants (1995)
- Priceless Jazz (1998)
- The Music of Alice Coltrane: Astral Meditations (1999)
- Translinear LightTranslinear LightTranslinear Light is the last studio album released by Alice Coltrane. It was produced by her son, Ravi Coltrane, and released in 2004. All compositions by Alice Coltrane with the exception of 4 traditional compositions in addition to "Crescent" and "Leo" which were written by her late husband...
(2004) - The Impulse Story (2006)
As a sideperson
With John ColtraneJohn Coltrane
John William Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and later was at the forefront of free jazz...
- Live at the Village Vanguard Again!Live at the Village Vanguard Again!Live At The Village Vanguard Again! is a jazz album by saxophonist John Coltrane. Recorded in May of 1966, the album shows Coltrane playing in the free jazz style that characterized his final recordings....
(Impulse!, 1966) - Live in Japan (Impulse!, 1966 [1973])
- Stellar RegionsStellar RegionsStellar Regions is a posthumous release by John Coltrane, discovered in 1994 by the artist's wife, Alice Coltrane, who plays piano on the session...
(Impulse!, 1966) - ExpressionExpression (album)Expression is an album by jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. The title track was Coltrane's last studio recording; the rest of the album was recorded at about the same time as Interstellar Space. "To Be" features Coltrane on flute, the only recording he made on the instrument for an entire track...
(Impulse!, 1967) - The Olatunji Concert: The Last Live Recording (Impulse!, 1967)
With Terry Gibbs
Terry Gibbs
Terry Gibbs is an American jazz vibraphonist and band leader.He has performed and/or recorded with Tommy Dorsey, Chubby Jackson, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Louie Bellson, Charlie Shavers, Mel Tormé, Buddy DeFranco, and others...
- Terry Gibbs Plays Jewish Melodies in JazztimeTerry Gibbs Plays Jewish Melodies In JazztimeTerry Gibbs Plays Jewish Melodies in Jazztime is a 1963 studio album by Terry Gibbs. This was the debut recording of Alice Coltrane, who is credited by her maiden name, Alice McLeod...
(Mercury, 1963) - Hootenanny My Way (Mercury, 1963)
- El Nutto (Limelight, 1964)
With Charlie Haden
Charlie Haden
Charles Edward Haden is an American jazz musician. He is a double bassist, probably best known for his long association with saxophonist Ornette Coleman...
- ClosenessCloseness (album)Closeness is an album of duets by bassist Charlie Haden recorded in 1976 and released on the Horizon label.-Reception:The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4½ stars stating "Recommended, particularly due to the Ornette and Jarrett collaborations".-Track listing:# "Ellen David" -...
(Horizon, 1976)
With Joe Henderson
Joe Henderson
Joe Henderson was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. In a career spanning more than forty years Henderson played with many of the leading American players of his day and recorded for several prominent labels, including Blue Note.-Early life:From a very large family with five sisters and nine...
- The Elements (Milestone, 1973)
With McCoy Tyner
McCoy Tyner
McCoy Tyner is a jazz pianist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known for his work with the John Coltrane Quartet and a long solo career.-Early life:...
- Extensions (Blue Note, 1970)
External links
- Official website
- Alice Coltrane at All About Jazz
- Alice Coltrane discography
- Alice Coltrane Playlist: Divine Ferocity
- In-depth Alice Coltrane obituary with a record-by-record overview of her career from NewYorkNightTrain.com
- Last Song For Alice Coltrane , The Indypendent, Steven Wishnia
- RBMA Radio On Demand - Sound Obsession - Volume 7 - Tribute to Alice Coltrane - Kirk Degiorgio (The Beauty Room, As One)
- Alice in Wonder and Awe. An interview at ascentmagazine.com on jazz, God and the spiritual path.
- Alice Coltrane at NPR Music