Alice Coltrane - Journey In Satchidananda

Between the explorative jazz odysseys of John Coltrane to the out-of-this-universe and psychedelically-tinged hiphop journeys of Flying Lotus, this family really experience life on a different wavelength. I feel Alice Coltrane fits perfectly in the middle, integrating into her output the beautifully graceful and grayscale jazzy work of John Coltrane and the musical search for beyond (a god even) from some of FlyLo’s best records.

Described by Alice Coltrane herself, “I hope that this album will be a form of meditation and a spiritual awakening for those who listen with their inner ear.” For me, it very much is.

These pieces operate on a linear path, kind of like looking toward the horizon full of mirage while an ochre sun never quite sets. There’s almost a drone-like quality to the taste of the music, with undertones of harmonies never quite coming to a close until each piece’s final moments.

Crispy drums roll and rattle into oblivion, deep steady bass keeps everything upright, and Pharoah Sanders’ tastefully played soprano saxophone blares as if a higher power is speaking through him (as usual). Alice Coltrane’s harp shimmers like a night sky as she carefully plucks and strums away, like she’s speaking through the instrument while her entire spirit lays bare.

The amalgamation of it all feels nothing short of transcendental and unspeakably gorgeous. This recording is rich in spirit and full of life, and I absolutely love it.

KEY TRACK: Shiva-Loka - a perfect piece to pluck out of the small collection here, this track feels like slowly taking off in a warm desert to find yourself on another plane, unfamiliar and alluring all the same.