Now that we’ve examined what Coltrane had planned, by examining all of his handwritten sketches, let’s examine how the recording of A Love Supreme actually turned out, beginning with the first movement, “Acknowledgement.” (It is sometimes announced at concerts as “A Love Supreme,” because it features the Main Motif so prominently, but that’s not what Coltrane called it.)
Yes, it's totally shortsighted; it's a real shame. It's impossible to fathom from today's perspective when data is cheap. I imagine in the '60s, tapes would have been expensive, and I don't know what the margins were at Impulse but I guess these types of decisions helped them keep the lights on.
Yes--actually in that case it was the cost of storage space, rather than the cost of tha tapes themselves--and sadly, it wasn't only Impulse. THANK YOU JOHN
WTTW, the Chicago PBS station that originated some classic Sound Stage sets, bulk erased them. One I remember that was lost was with Coleman Hawkins, which I watched on the air. It may have been his last recorded performance.
Terrible to hear about this tape erasing. Yes, that was indeed Coleman's last recorded performance. There is an audio tape that someone made from the TV speakers, but I understand that Hawk was in very poor shape. THANK YOU JIM
Fascinating! I love going between and behind the music to have a deeper understanding of the master musician. You're excellent at this, please keep this deep dive on ALS going.
I just read Shepp's article mentioned above. Interesting how he's mellowed over the years, sounds reverent towards Coltrane. I remember reading interviews by him back in the late 60s and early 70s where he said Trane's music wasn't necessarily spiritual, merely a continuation of the Black tradition, therefore downplaying Coltrane's influence.
Anyway, a good read! Where did you find this interview with Shepp?
Yes, I agree that he's mellowed over the years. Not sure what you're asking about where I found the article--you clicked on my link and you have read it, I believe--Yes? THANKS
This is a fantastic exploration of the work. Thank you.
Thank you Ben! More to come!
Such a shame about those lost tape reels- so much primary material for jazz history studies lost with them.
Yes--it's amazing how short-sighted people were. THANK YOU DAVID
Yes, it's totally shortsighted; it's a real shame. It's impossible to fathom from today's perspective when data is cheap. I imagine in the '60s, tapes would have been expensive, and I don't know what the margins were at Impulse but I guess these types of decisions helped them keep the lights on.
Yes--actually in that case it was the cost of storage space, rather than the cost of tha tapes themselves--and sadly, it wasn't only Impulse. THANK YOU JOHN
WTTW, the Chicago PBS station that originated some classic Sound Stage sets, bulk erased them. One I remember that was lost was with Coleman Hawkins, which I watched on the air. It may have been his last recorded performance.
Terrible to hear about this tape erasing. Yes, that was indeed Coleman's last recorded performance. There is an audio tape that someone made from the TV speakers, but I understand that Hawk was in very poor shape. THANK YOU JIM
Fascinating! I love going between and behind the music to have a deeper understanding of the master musician. You're excellent at this, please keep this deep dive on ALS going.
Happy Holidays, Gerard
Thank you! I have several more installments already written. THANK YOU GERARD!
I'm kicking myself for not saving all the posts on ALS so I could print it out for another read later.
G
No need to kick--ALL previous posts--over 130 of them --are at the site and will STAY there: https://lewisporter.substack.com/
ALSO use the INDEX on the top of the home page.
I just read Shepp's article mentioned above. Interesting how he's mellowed over the years, sounds reverent towards Coltrane. I remember reading interviews by him back in the late 60s and early 70s where he said Trane's music wasn't necessarily spiritual, merely a continuation of the Black tradition, therefore downplaying Coltrane's influence.
Anyway, a good read! Where did you find this interview with Shepp?
Thanks,
Gerard
Yes, I agree that he's mellowed over the years. Not sure what you're asking about where I found the article--you clicked on my link and you have read it, I believe--Yes? THANKS