In memoriam Alice Coltrane

The great saxophonist John Coltrane left behind two (spiritual) possibilities as to engagement in research
and placement of world music. The first – the more »universal« one – was developed through
the free jazz of Albert Ayler. At a time when John Coltrane was considerably contributing to Ayler’s
undreamed-of development – both financially and morally – he met a kindred introverted soul mate
Alice McLeod, his wife-to-be, at New York’s Birdland. John Coltrane stirred paternalistic jazz circles
when this barely known young pianist from Detroit replaced the established McCoy Tyner in his quintet.
A talented student of Bud Powell, one might well say - with hindsight - that the young Alice McLeod was
John’s only student, and became an authority on the »more meditative« orientations of Indian world
music à la Coltrane. From today’s perspective, John’s intention is perfectly clear: Alice – following her
husband’s bold advice, dedicated herself to the harp and soon after to instruments of a more folk nature.
Subsequent to a number of recordings for the Impulse label she almost completely withdrew from
jazz, if not from all secular music.

Alice took a vow of celibacy after John’s death in 1967, and arranged and completed his rich heritage;
she also guided her four children – one of whom, John Jr., died in a car accident in 1982 – on
a particular music path. In addition to performing solo, as well as with her children, Alice Coltrane
also devoted herself to a spiritual life, becoming a follower of Sathya Sai Baba, changing her name to
Turiyasangitananda, and going on to establish the Vedantic Centre in California. Those rare occasions
Alice performed publicly under her old name, are documented through pictures distinguished by her
sad smile, her involvement in music recording business, and a project with Carlos Santana… In the
1990’s she was »rediscovered« (what an absurdity) by a trendy new age which she always – being a truly
devoted spiritual being – refuted.

A few weeks before her death, following infinite persuasion and a twenty-five-year break from major
public performances, she returned to the stage with bassist Charlie Haden, drummer Roy Haynes, and
her versed saxophonist son Ravi - to whom she ceded concern for John’s music heritage. Alice Coltrane
was a very special musician and composer, one of the most original researchers of audio cosmology and
the divine dimension of performance, a genuine Translinear Light. Miha I. Zadnikar

Organized by: City of Women
In collaboration with: SEM Café