Home / Arts and Entertainment / Alice Coltrane's Cosmic Masterpiece Reborn
Alice Coltrane's Cosmic Masterpiece Reborn
6 Oct
Summary
- Newly reissued 'Lord of Lords' showcases orchestral genius.
- Album marks a radical spiritual and stylistic turn.
- Features a dense, 25-instrument orchestra for rich sound.
Alice Coltrane's early '70s orchestral album, 'Lord of Lords,' has been reissued on vinyl. This 1972 work represents the final and most realized installment in a trio of albums that included 'Universal Consciousness' and 'World Galaxy.' These recordings marked a radical departure from her earlier jazz stylings.
'Lord of Lords' is characterized by its slow-building, cosmic, and unnerving soundscape. Coltrane's arrangements feature dark piano, harp, and Wurlitzer organ, complemented by a substantial 25-piece orchestra. This dense orchestral approach, prioritizing melody alongside texture, infused gospel phrasing into abstract, cinematic compositions.
This album's devotional quality has earned significant acclaim, surpassing even her earlier works recorded for the Impulse! label. The reissue invites listeners to explore this pivotal phase of Coltrane's artistic and spiritual journey.
