Unheard Alice Coltrane album - 'Kirtan: Turiya Sings' - unveiled
A collection of never-before-released Alice Coltrane songs are set to see the light of day
Last updated 14th Jul 2021
A new, never-before-heard album from the godmother of spiritual jazz Alice Coltrane has been unveiled - Kirtan: Turiya Sings.
The previously unreleased LP was recorded in 1981 and is a collection of nine songs that sees the combination of Alice Coltrane's voice and organ. The music is all sung in Sanskrit, designed to be spiritual and devotional.
Reflecting on the album, Ravi Coltrane - John and Alice Coltrane's son - said, "On this album, your ear will be turned toward the sound of the blues, to gospel, to the Black American church, often combined with the Carnatic singing style of southern India. You will hear beautiful harmonies influenced by Alice’s Detroit/Motown roots, her bebop roots, John Coltrane’s impact, and her absorption of European classical music, particularly that of her favorite: Igor Stravinsky. Yet, at the same time, this is functional music. Its purpose is, with light and love, to praise the names of the Supreme. On this album, your heart and spirit will be turned toward divine inspiration and appreciation."
“In this setting I felt the greatest sense of her passion, devotion and exaltation in singing these songs in praise of the Supreme. In that moment, I knew people needed to hear Turiya Sings in this context.” Ravi continues, “as her son, growing up and hearing her playing these songs on the very same Wurlitzer you hear on this recording, I recognize this choice maintains the purity and essence of Alice’s musical and spiritual vision. In many ways, this new clarity brings these chants to an even higher place.”
Alice Coltrane, who was the wife of John Coltrane, is revered for her groundbreaking contributions to spiritual jazz and harp playing with her legendary recordings Journey in Satchidananda and Ptah, The El Daoud.
Watch and listen to 'Krishna Krishna'
When is Alice Coltrane's Kirtan: Turiya Sings set for release?
Alice Coltrane's Kirtan: Turiya Sings is set for release on July 16 via Impulse! Records/UMe. The release is part of Impulse!'s 60th-anniversary celebrations.