Fall equinox always reminds me of John Coltrane’s birthday (September 23). One of the great musicians of the last century, I’m sure most are aware of some of his work. I think what is most striking to me is the soul he put into the music and outside the music into his life. A spiritual searcher and gentle, contemplative man, his album “A Love Supreme” is an apex in jazz, art and music. It’s an album to listen to in tough times, calm times, quiet times and really any time. One always worth another listen.

I’m not fond of tributes, but this last Friday, I wanted to play a Coltrane song or two and wound up playing Dwight Trible’s wonderful vocal version of “A Love Supreme”. I hear the song as a tribute to Coltrane’s music and life with great performances from all the musicians and a tight arrangement. The rest of this set has nothing to do with Coltrane outside of being soulful and sweet.

Rocksteady Coltrane Soul

My Conversation – Slim Smith
President a Mash Up the Resident – Shorty the President
Tribute to Slim Smith – Tyrone Downie
Eternal Drums – Bongo Herman & L.E.S.
Always Together – Bob Andy & Marcia Griffiths
Danger In Your Eyes – Don Evans and the Paragons
One in the World Style – Niney The Observer/King Tubby
Gedowa – Abyssinia
A Love Supreme – Dwight Trible
La Ritournelle – Sebastien Tellier
Yardbird Suite (Saint Etienne remix) – Rebop/Herbie Mann
Aganju (Latin Project remix) – Bebel Gilberto
Skyy High (Yam Who? mix) – Raphael Saadiq
I’ve Been Waiting – Incognito
Spacefruit – SA-RA Creative Partners