tuesday, january 16, 2007
Another Love Supreme
ALICE COLTRANE TURIYASANGITANANDA
Alice Coltrane once said,“I feel that if God gves you any type of blessing or good fortune or gift, you have to share it. You have to share it, because it's not really yours. It really is of the Supreme. Like] Translinear Light refers to a single progression or concentration of light—focused upon an object or a goal, as it illumines the pathway to achievement. It is an emanation from the Divine. Sometimes I've heard music and feel like I've already engaged in the praise of God. I feel it already in my soul, in my spirit.
“Once John and I were coming from a concert that he had played out here in California and it was late in the morning—we got out at daybreak. We heard a couple leaving, and the lady said, ‘I have to hurry home because I'm going to church.’ Her companion said, ‘Church? You've already been to church!’ ”
Wow!
On Friday, January 12, 2007, Alice Coltrane completed her beautiful journey here, but has only transcended to a more magnificent path. I can’t even begin to talk about her life, as I am only learning more about her after her death. I know that if John Coltrane saw incredible beauty in her then she indeed must have been a beautiful creation. He learned from her as she learned from him. The most magnificent thing is that she only had what is considered a short time with him. Meeting him in 1963, only to give him back in 1967. John and Alice had 3 children. It was her husband who encouraged her to explore her music even deeper. He once stated to her, “You have all those keys, why don’t you play all of them as completely as you can”. It was as if he was saying, you only have a few breathes in life, why don’t you breathe them as deeply as you can. Alice went on to play many instruments, including the piano and the harp. She began to explore every note, every beat and every rhythm, creating astounding new sounds that transcended traditional jazz. Alice was a wonder in her own way. Not because she was married to a musical genius, but because she too revolutionized music to a degree. Introducing the harp into jazz and becoming a major part of the avant-garde movement. I’ve only recently started listening to her music specifically the music she made with her sons, Ravi and Oran, but already her influence is affecting me. Her words move me.
“Meditate. Sit in silence and try to hear the voice of the Lord. See the visions that God will send, ask the questions. This brings you into close proximity to God.”
Already, I want to know more. About everything.
One of the paintings in the “God Breathes” series is entitled, “ Some Other Blues”.
These words from Sri Satya Sai Baba (from the Alice Coltrane official website) most appropriately describe exactly what I am expressing in this painting.
“Let the different faiths exist; let them flourish; and let the glory of God be sung in all the languages and in a variety of tunes. That should be the ideal. Respect the differences between the faiths and recognize them as valid as long as they do not extinguish the flame of unity.”
I truly believed that one day I was going to be able to sit down with Alice Coltrane and have a long conversation about her husband. But now I see that there is so much more to learn about her. And God. And peace. I heard her say once in an interview “Before I even met him, something in me knew that there was a spiritual, musical connection with this person and once I got into the man, that was it!” I felt I had a connection with her even though I was never able to meet her. Funny thing is, I don’t believe that connection is gone.
Comments:
01/24/2007 - Angela
Wow, is all I can manage to say on the remarkable way you pieced this post on Alice Coltrane. Not only are you an awesome artist....you're also a gifted writer. I did not know a great deal about Alice Coltrane, but I know I would have enjoyed being in her presence. Thank you for the insight into her life.....she sounds incredible. I would like to know more about the lives of John and Alice Coltrane...and I believe GOD has blessed you with this connection,...this gift,...this ability, to tell the story...be it through words or pictures...so tell us the story my Dear....tell us the story!!! JOY
01/23/2007 - Cynthia
What a lovely post. Your art is fantastic and your post on Alice Coltrane is amazing.
01/19/2007 - Divyesh
What a marvelous tribute to a wonderful teacher whose gifts we will cherish forever.
01/18/2007 - Kweisi
Rhonda; You continue to amaze me! I didn't know much about Alice Coltrane, but I am determined to check out her music and to celebrate her amazing life. This Coltrane site is so relevant, please keep writing. Here is a nice Hindu proverb you inspired me to find appropriate to Alice's life: Help thy brother's boat across, and lo! thine own has reached the shore. Peace.
01/16/2007 - Mike V.
A wonderful tribute to a true american original. Elation, Elegance, Exaltation. All from God.
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