JAZZ

ALICE COLTRANE

Kirtan: Turiya Sings

Alice Coltrane: vocals; organ. Impulse! B003370502 (CD). 2021. Ravi Coltrane, Ed Michel, prods.; Baker Bigsby, eng.

Luaka Bop’s 2017 release of the compilation The Ecstatic Music of Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda renewed interest in the singular work of the harpist/pianist. Reissues of her self-produced cassettes have largely replaced the previous narrative—jazz widow who faded into irrelevance—with a new one: vital voice who followed her faith without faltering in her art.

The loss of husband and collaborator John Coltrane in 1967 had a devastating impact, resulting, reportedly, in weight loss, insomnia, and hallucinations. She found solace in Indian philosophy, which found its way into her music, gradually pulling her away