What makes Meditations by John Coltrane notable?

This album is notable for its ambitious exploration of spiritual themes within jazz, reflecting Coltrane's deepening commitment to transcendental music. It has been influential in the evolution of free jazz and modal jazz, inspiring countless artists and pushing the boundaries of jazz improvisation. Released in 1966, 'Meditations' is John Coltrane's follow-up to the critically acclaimed 'A Love Supreme'. At this time, Coltrane was deeply exploring spirituality and avant-garde jazz, marking a significant shift in his artistic expression as he moved towards more experimental and free forms.

Who is Meditations for?

Meditations works well if you're into spiritual exploration through sound, wave-like pacing with depth and transcendent improvisation for reflection.

How many songs are on Meditations?

Meditations has 5 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Released 60 years ago

Meditations

John Coltrane · 1966

40 min · 5 tracks · post-bop · free jazz · hard bop

Transcendent improvisation unfolds through spiritual themes, uniting complex harmonies with a profound emotional depth.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

spiritual exploration through sound
wave-like pacing with depth
transcendent improvisation for reflection
gradual rise to calmness

Maybe skip if you want

seeking instant gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Themes: spiritual exploration· transcendent improvisation· avant-garde jazz journey
Career context: Released in 1966, 'Meditations' is John Coltrane's follow-up to the critically acclaimed 'A Love Supreme'. At this time, Coltrane was deeply exploring spirituality and avant-garde jazz, marking a significant shift in his artistic expression as he moved towards more experimental and free forms.
Stylistic neighbors: Pharoah Sanders· Ornette Coleman· Albert Ayler
Sounds like this from elsewhere: Karma by Pharoah Sanders — Explores spiritual themes through expansive improvisation and rich textures, echoing Coltrane's journey.

Journey in Satchidananda by Alice Coltrane — Merges spiritual jazz with ethereal soundscapes, creating a meditative atmosphere akin to Coltrane's explorations.

Space Is the Place by Sun Ra — Delivers avant-garde jazz infused with cosmic philosophy, paralleling the transcendent improvisational spirit of Coltrane.