Supreme Love: A Journey Through Coltrane

by Sean Khan

Overview

In a way, Sean Khan's Supreme Love: A Journey Through Coltrane fondly looks back on 2011's breakthrough Slow Burner. There Khan celebrated his musical heroes, including John Coltrane, with a bracing modernist take that juxtaposed classic jazz with a 21st century rhythm and production. This tribute to the great saxophonist combines Coltrane tunes with originals inspired by his influence. His core band includes longtime drummer Laurie Lowe, pianist Andy Noble, bassist Dario De Lecce, and vocalist Heidi Vogel. Khan plays alto and soprano saxophones and flute. The ensemble is appended by guitarist Jim Mullen, trombonist Tom White, percussionist Karl Vanden Bosshe, and old friend Kaidi Tatham playing Fender Rhodes and remixing two tracks with assistance from Daz I Kue. This set also offers the last recorded performances of British jazz legend, saxophonist Peter King. The album is divided into three evolutionary, musically distinct sections. The Future Present showcases the modal beginning with "Acknowledgment" from A Love Supreme. Khan reimagines it as a spiritual soul track. His elegant horns and lilting flute hover above a spectral piano and modal electric guitar with strings, harp, and a glorious vocal performance from Vogel based on lyrics by Oscar Brown, Jr. and Khan. Its rhythmic shifts are laden with subtle snare breaks and group chants as it swirls and twirls to the heavens. It also reveals the major influence of Alice Coltrane. Khan's "Starchild" follows and Vogel delivers his sunny lyrics of childhood with resonance and openness. It was inspired by Coltrane's love of 7/4 time. Other standouts in this section are thought-provoking reads of "Afro Blue" and "Naima." Khan's "Azawala" sits between them. It channels darkly swinging, Afro-Latin-inspired modalism as horns entwine with duet vocals from Vogel and Khan, underscored by percussion and drum kit interplay and Noble's sure-handed harmonic invention. There is a charging read of "Giant Steps," but it's brief, an interlude more than a fleshed-out take. The middle section, The Future Past, adds contrast. It consists only of Tatham's adventurous remixes of "Azawala," and "Starchild" -- both feature his elegant, deftly funky Rhodes piano. "The Savage Detectives" is a break-driven funky sprint, a redo from 2019's Khan's Distant Voice EP. It kicks off a section otherwise dominated by muscular small-group performances of Coltrane's "Equinox," "Impressions," and "Cousin Mary." It proves this band is capable of swinging hard bop with proficiency, timing, and canny instinct. Khan's soloing is imaginative and timely. He can lay down lots of notes but usually doesn't, and he never overstays his welcome up front. There is plenty of room provided for Noble's refined, expressive pianism. Khan proved on 2018's Palmares Fantasy -- his collaboration with Brazilian legend Hermeto Paschoal -- that he was not only an astute student, but a savvy composer, partner, and creator. Supreme Love showcases his immense growth over that period. His Coltrane interpretations serve as fine, creative tributes, while his own compositions fare with those of his better-known musical peers such as Steve Wilkinson and Chris Potter. Highly recommended. ~ Thom Jurek

Product Details

Release Date:	02/18/2022
Label:	Bbe
UPC:	0196006169251
Rank:	98865

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Sean Khan   Primary Artist,Flute,Saxophone,Sax (Alto)
Peter King   Sax (Alto)
Jim Mullen   Guitar
Heidi Vogel   Vocals
Michael Whittaker   Viola
Meg Gates   Violin
Andy Noble   Piano,Keyboards
Angela Hunt   Violin
Tom White   Trombone
Laurie Lowe   Drums
Jackie Phillips   Cello
Dario Di Lecce   Double Bass

Technical Credits

John Coltrane   Composer
Mongo Santamaria   Composer
Peter Adarkwah   Project Director
Oscar Brown, Jr.   Composer
Sean Khan   Composer,Producer
Ian Swift   Sleeve Design
Frank Merritt   Mastering
Eddie Otcheree   Photography
Will Sumsuch   Project Editor