Stereo 8 World Galaxy: Alice Coltrane with Strings

DEDICATED TO THAT GREAT COSMIC UNSEEN  (World Galaxy liner notes)

On January 12, 2007, Alice Coltrane was reunited in death with her late husband John Coltrane. The two had been married for less than two years when he passed away in 1967. During the four decades that followed, Alice released a stream of stunning albums, many of which paid tribute to the visionary spirit of the jazz saxophonist.

Alice played piano for the Terry Gibbs quartet when she met John in 1963. She quit performing for a couple of years and eventually secured a place for herself within John Coltrane’s group. The band was then undergoing a musical transformation. John’s playing had become infused with spiritual urgency. This was a time of experimentation and it is within that context that Alice began to explore the sonic possibilities of the harp.

Alice’s first solo effort was released in 1968. The album was meant as a tribute to her late husband. But it is with World Galaxy – recorded in autumn of 1971 – that she most eloquently celebrated the richness of his legacy. The session produced five songs: three original compositions and new interpretations of John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things” and “A Love Supreme.”

World Galaxy opens with a poignant rendition of “My Favorite Things.” The band’s performance is augmented with a string section which helps elevate this John Coltrane signature piece to new heights. The fragile arrangements hold together superbly well. This is music from beyond this world.

Alice’s music often served as a vehicle for spiritual pursuits. She believed that her husband’s music served similar purposes.

A higher principle is involved here. Some of his (Coltrane’s) latest work aren’t musical compositions. I mean they weren’t based entirely on music. A lot if it has to do with mathematics, some on rhythmic structure and the power of repetition, some of elementals. He always felt that sound was the first manifestation in creation before music. I would like to play music according to ideals set forth by John and continue to let a cosmic principle, or the aspect of spirituality, be the underlying reality behind the music as he did (Quoted in Bill Cole’s John Coltrane).

Alice’s sixth solo effort closes with “A Love Supreme.” This last song is based on the landmark four-part suite John Coltrane released in 1965. On this album, the saxophonist performed a devotional poem (using his saxophone instead of words). On World Galaxy, Alice substitutes a poem of her own which is read out by her spiritual leader Swami Satchidananda.

Let that Love Supreme reign over the universe
Om shanti
Shanti
Shanti
Hariom

No discontinuations allowed on this Stereo 8 version of World Galaxy. This is profoundly beautiful music and it is meant to flow with a graceful intensity.

World Galaxy is but one of many splendid albums Alice Coltrane left behind before departing for another world. It is music for the great cosmic unseen.

“Program A: My Favorite Things / Galaxy Around Oludumare”

Stereo 8 (Impulse Records V 8027-9218) – Track Listing:
Program A: My Favorite Things – Galaxy Around Oludumare
Program B: Galaxy Around Satchidananda
Program C: Galaxy in Turiya
Program D: A Love Supreme

LP – Track Listing:
Side A: My Favorite Things – Galaxy Around Oludumare – Galaxy in Turiya
Side B: Galaxy Around Satchidananda – A Love Supreme