Categories
Uncategorized

Message 120: Alice Coltrane

A number of articles cite Alice Coltrane as an influence on Kid A, for example this Now Toronto article and this BBC profile. According to this December 7 2000 At Ease news post, Alice Coltrane’s “Blue Nile” introduced Radiohead’s live European shows. The song “Blue Nile” was originally included on the album Ptah The El Daoud recorded in 1970 (Ptah is the name of the Egyptian god of creation). Information on Coltrane is available at her Impulse! Records page. An excerpt:

“A child in Detroit, young Alice McLeod studied classical music and participated in the gospel band at church. But her brother, bassist Ernie Farrow, introduced her to jazz early on, and as a teen she became quite taken with bop and its offshoots. In Detroit she played piano on sessions with masters like guitarist Kenny Burrell and saxophonist Lucky Thompson. By the early 1960s she was sharing the bandstand with vibes player Terry Gibbs. It was on tour with Gibbs that she met saxophonist John Coltrane. Their 1966 wedding was the start of a musical union as well. When she replaced pianist McCoy Tyner in the classic Coltrane Quartet there was hubbub in the jazz world. But John Coltrane?s music was unfolding further with every passing month ? he had begun probing musical motifs from the East. Alice’s approach to the piano assisted in extending the music even further.
“When her husband died in 1967, Alice continued working with members of his last group, including Garrison, saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, and drummer Rashied Ali. She began playing the harp, utilizing sitar and tablas in the ensemble, and turning fully to Eastern cultures for inspiration; spiritual and colorful, her music morphed into the soundtrack for prayer. Her talents and trajectory spoke to others.”

4 replies on “Message 120: Alice Coltrane”

Hello.I would like to know how to get in touch with Mrs.Coltrane.Is there an address (mailing or e-mail)that I could have access to.I myself am also a harpist/student.

About 31 years ago ,I corresponded with Mrs. Coltrane , sending photos and recieving an answer.Unfortunately , I did not maintain contact.If possible , I would like re-establish a link.

Peace and Blessings

Raheem A. Shabaka

hmm its pretty cool how flying lotus, nephew of alice coltrane, collaborated with thom yorke recently on his new album, great artist by the way ido recommend his music very much

Leave a Reply to Raheem A. Shabaka Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *