Turiya Sings cover

Turiya Sings

Alice Coltrane · 1982

58 min · 9 tracks · jazz

An ethereal blend of jazz and spiritual chants, weaving together meditative harmonies and transcendent instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Jagadishwar — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its lush soundscapes and powerful vocal delivery, embodying the spiritual journey that characterizes the entire work.
  • →
    Krishna Krishna — The piece features an intricate layering of instruments alongside Coltrane’s haunting vocals, creating a deeply meditative experience that resonates with listeners seeking tranquility.
  • →
    Rama Katha — At over eleven minutes long, this track showcases Coltrane's ability to blend storytelling with musical exploration, illustrating her deep connection to her faith and heritage.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
69 /100
Alpine
Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album's unique fusion of jazz and Indian classical music creates a distinctive and immersive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • Each track features extended instrumental sections with improvisational solos that create a meditative atmosphere.
  • The album employs a consistent use of Indian classical scales and rhythms, blending them seamlessly with jazz harmonies.
  • Tracks often feature layered instrumentation, with harp and synthesizers creating a lush soundscape that supports the melodic lines.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • meditative harmonies for deep reflection
  • transcendent soundscapes for spiritual connection
  • soothing chants for tranquil moments
  • patient unfolding of serene melodies

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat, fast-paced tracks
  • prefer standalone catchy singles

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time of its release in 1982, Alice Coltrane had already established herself as a pioneering force in spiritual jazz. 'Turiya Sings' was her first album released after the passing of her husband, John Coltrane, and it marked a significant moment in her artistic evolution as she embraced more devotional themes influenced by her spiritual beliefs.
Stylistic neighbors
Pharoah Sanders· Sun Ra· Don Cherry

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Jagadishwar 6:28
  • 2 Jai Rama Chandra 6:04
  • 3 Krishna Krishna 5:10
  • 4 Rama Katha 11:41
  • 5 Yamuna Tira Vihari 6:07
  • 6 Charanam 6:18
  • 7 Govinda Hari 5:21
  • 8 Hara Sira 6:28
  • 9 Prandhana 4:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata