Alice Coltrane ranks among the towering figures of jazz. As a pianist, she performed alongside her husband, saxophonist John Coltrane, and, as the first major jazz harpist, introduced the instrument’s shimmering colours into the genre. After her husband’s death in 1967, she preserved his musical legacy for four decades while continuing her own career, collaborating with jazz luminaries such as saxophonist Pharoah Sanders and guitarist Carlos Santana. Alice Coltrane would have celebrated her 90th birthday in 2027.
In 2004, Alice Coltrane released the album »Translinear Light« – both a masterpiece and a family project. Alongside her own compositions, it features works by her husband John Coltrane. The album was produced by her son Ravi Coltrane, himself an internationally acclaimed jazz musician, who can also be heard on saxophone, as can his brother Oran. Ravi Coltrane now pays tribute to this music – deeply shaped by Alice Coltrane’s spirituality – in the Elbphilharmonie Grand Hall.
He is joined by an outstanding ensemble featuring internationally celebrated artists. Jeff »Tain« Watts, the drummer from the original »Translinear Light« line-up, returns to the project, while the internationally acclaimed jazz harpist Brandee Younger brings the unmistakable Coltrane sound to life on the very instrument once played by Alice Coltrane herself.
PERFORMERS
Ravi Coltrane saxophone
David Virelles piano
Bob Hurst bass
Jeff »Tain« Watts drums
Brandee Younger harp
PROGRAM
»Translinear Light: The Music of Alice Coltrane«
