Track Listing

1. Moment's Notice
2. La Danse Du Bonheur
3. Model Trance
4. Acknowledgment
5. Resolution
6. Pursuance
7. Psalm
8. 'Round Midnight
9. Countdown
10. My Favorite Things
11. Naima
12. Song To John
13. So What

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19167 in Music
• Released on: 2007-03-27
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.com
A string quartet rendering of "A Love Supreme"? Even as John Coltrane's beloved work gets revived in various formats--Branford Marsalis performed and recorded with his quartet, Wynton Marsalis with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and singer Kurt Elling set a section of it to words--it may seem a stretch as a classical crossover. But unlike the Kronos Quartet, which came a cropper with its unswinging treatments of Bill Evans and Thelonious Monk, the Turtle Island Quartet is steeped in a jazz sensibility. While the enveloping spiritual intensity of "A Love Supreme" may elude it, the San Francisco-based group grabs the listener with its dark undertones, probing lines, rough hewn textures and airy counter melodies. Of the other Coltrane classics included on the CD, the ballad "Naima" stands out with its gorgeous blend of tones and colors and "Countdown" is given a brisk, percussive workout. Jazz fans will find new pathways into "A Love Supreme" while the classical set will find a gateway to one of jazz's enduring achievements. --Lloyd Sachs

Downbeat, March 2007
"His [John Coltrane's] spirit is evoked, with a loping then swirling version of `Naima' that brings out all the poignancy and inherent beauty of the piece."

Jazz Police.com, March 2007
"Wonderfully arranged and performed, we are given a new perspective on the music of Coltrane by having it put in the warm and intimate context of a classical string quartet."

Customer Reviews

Coltrane would approve!
Can't say that I have ever heard of this group. I was doing some research of grammy winners, and discovered them. I love jazz. I gave it a listen, and enjoyed it. It was sort of a guilty pleasure. Since the original love supreme is just so perfect, how in the world would these folks be able to play the music? So, I purchaced the CD, and really enjoyed it. I believe Coltrane would approve in that he would probably enjoy the fact that these gentleman took his music to a different level. I understand that he always tried to break the borders of the norm with regards to his performances and music. And, that is exactly what these guys did with this. Bravo!!

Legacy, Influence or Heritage...?
Besides all the favorable and enthusiastic critics I read 'bout this recording, I really decided to buy it, first because it's a re-lecture of a Jazz masterpiece we all love it; and second 'cause all these string quartets' crossovers with Jazz and/or Rock --in general-- produces a very good result.
And this was not different in this case of the TIQ's "A Love Supreme": the interpretations are fabulous and delicate, introspective and happy at the same time.
I really recommend this CD, not only due this artistic value, but also for those who knows how to appreciate an outstanding recording by Telarc engineers.
Only to add another 'hit' to the list, take care about two standard jazz tracks: Monk's 'Round Midnight, and Davis' So What. They're pure delight and pleasure for the ears and the soul!

Jazz supreme
I had listened to a review of this group some time back on NPR but didn't fully appreciate their excellence until I listened to this winner.