Ravi Coltrane, Dezron Douglas, David Virelles and Jeff "Tain" Watts offered a thrilling and powerful performance of John Coltrane's 1965 masterpiece as part of NYC Winter Jazz Fest last month in celebration of its 60th Anniversary.
Ravi dedicated the evening to the memory of his parents, John and Alice Coltrane, noting that it was the 18th Anniversary of his mother's passing. A short panel discussion, moderated by Ashley Kahn, preceded the concert. Following Ravi and the quartet's presentation of "A Love Supreme," was an extraordinary series of improvised offerings inspired by the work we were celebrating.
The impressive list of participating musicians included Allison Miller, Angelica Sanchez, Ben Williams, James Brandon Lewis, Joel Ross, Kalia Vandever, Kassa Overall, Kenny Warren, Linda May Han Oh, Mali Obomsawin, Melissa Aldana, Nasheet Waits, Orrin Evans, Rafiq Bhatia, Sam Newsome, Theon Cross and Tomoki Sanders. In the original liner notes to A Love Supreme, John Coltrane wrote about experiencing a "spiritual awakening which would lead me to a richer, fuller, more productive life." He continued with "I humbly asked to be given the means and privilege to make others happy through music." Thank you, Winter Jazz Fest, for giving Ravi and his collaborators the opportunity to celebrate both of his parents and to continue to explore the meaning and importance of this monumental piece of music on its 60th Anniversary.
