What makes A Monastic Trio by Alice Coltrane notable?

A Monastic Trio is notable for its pioneering fusion of jazz with elements of spirituality and Indian music, influencing countless artists within the spiritual jazz movement. The album received critical acclaim upon release and has since been recognized as an essential work in Coltrane's discography, contributing to her enduring legacy. Released in 1968, A Monastic Trio was Alice Coltrane's first album following the death of her husband, John Coltrane. At this point in her career, she began to explore deeper spiritual themes and expanded her sound beyond traditional jazz, establishing herself as a formidable force in the genre.

Who is A Monastic Trio for?

A Monastic Trio works well if you're into reflective journeys through sound, meditative textures for deep focus and spiritual upliftment in quiet moments.

How many songs are on A Monastic Trio?

A Monastic Trio has 9 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

A Monastic Trio

Alice Coltrane · 1968

57 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A transcendent blend of spiritual jazz, Eastern influences, and meditative textures that invites the listener on a reflective journey.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lord Help Me to Be — The opening track sets the tone with its prayerful vibe and intricate harp arrangements, showcasing Coltrane's unique ability to fuse spirituality with musicality.
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Gospel Trane — This track exemplifies Coltrane's exploration of gospel influences within a jazz context, featuring emotive piano lines that resonate deeply with listeners.
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Ohnedaruth — Ohnedaruth stands out for its hypnotic rhythms and meditative quality, embodying the album's overarching theme of transcendence through sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's spiritual and Eastern influences create a distinctive sound that rewards repeated listening.

What we noticed

The album features long, flowing tracks that often extend beyond five minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
Alice Coltrane employs a harp as a lead instrument, creating a unique texture that distinguishes her sound from typical jazz ensembles.
Each track incorporates elements of Eastern music, such as modal scales and drone-like backgrounds, enhancing the meditative quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

reflective journeys through sound
meditative textures for deep focus
spiritual upliftment in quiet moments
transcendent explorations of inner peace

Maybe skip if you

seeking immediate gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1968, A Monastic Trio was Alice Coltrane's first album following the death of her husband, John Coltrane. At this point in her career, she began to explore deeper spiritual themes and expanded her sound beyond traditional jazz, establishing herself as a formidable force in the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Pharoah Sanders· Sun Ra· Don Cherry

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Lord Help Me to Be 7:36
2 The Sun 4:07
3 Ohnedaruth 7:55
4 Gospel Trane 6:50
5 I Want to See You 6:48
6 Lovely Sky Boat 6:57
7 Oceanic Beloved 4:23
8 Atomic Peace 5:58
9 Altruvista 6:55

What to play next

Listen next

Huntington Ashram Monastery

1969

Full Alice Coltrane discography Artists like Alice Coltrane

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata