For both seasoned jazz aficionados and newcomers eager to explore the genre, the recent Verve/Acoustic Sounds vinyl reissues of John Coltrane’s albums, Ballads and A Love Supreme, offer an unparalleled listening experience. These meticulously crafted releases not only serve as an excellent entry point into Coltrane’s discography but also stand as potentially the finest sounding versions available, all at an accessible price point for vinyl enthusiasts.
While Ballads showcases Coltrane in a more mellow and conventional setting, demonstrating his mastery of melody and restraint, it’s A Love Supreme that truly captures the revolutionary spirit of Coltrane’s quartet. Recorded in December 1964, this album is a profound spiritual statement, a public declaration of his faith and devotion expressed through music. Coltrane himself encapsulated the album’s essence with three words from the inner gatefold poem: “ELATION—ELEGANCE—EXALTATION.” While initially perceived as radical and intense in 1965, A Love Supreme now resonates with a measured yet undiminished intensity, inviting listeners into Coltrane’s deeply personal and transformative musical journey.
Comparing this new Ryan K. Smith cut of A Love Supreme vinyl to previous versions reveals its sonic superiority. While acknowledging the allure of an original pressing and the merits of Bernie Grundman’s out-of-print 45rpm ORG Music edition, this reissue distinguishes itself through its exceptional clarity and depth. The original pressing of A Love Supreme vinyl, while historically significant, suffers from noticeable flaws, including a distracting hum and Rudy Van Gelder’s characteristic compression and midbass emphasis, which can muddy McCoy Tyner’s piano and the iconic vocal chant.
Ryan Smith’s mastering for this A Love Supreme vinyl reissue addresses these shortcomings with remarkable success. Tyner’s piano, in particular, is rendered with stunning three-dimensional presence, positioned convincingly within the soundstage. While some audiophiles might perceive Coltrane’s saxophone as slightly leaner than preferred, this is often system-dependent and arguably contributes to the overall transparency of the recording. The quality of the pressing itself, courtesy of QRP, is outstanding, providing the silent, “jet black backgrounds” that vinyl enthusiasts appreciate, allowing the music to emerge with greater impact and nuance.
The entire package of this A Love Supreme vinyl reissue reflects a commitment to quality, from the Stoughton Press laminated tip-on jacket, replicating the original artwork with care, to the exceptional mastering and pressing. This release embodies the high standards associated with all-analog recordings, offering a tangible and immersive listening experience that digital formats often struggle to replicate. Although the initial pressing run is nearing sell-out, and while these titles are not designated as limited editions, the enduring appeal and critical acclaim of these reissues suggest that demand will remain high. For those seeking the definitive A Love Supreme vinyl experience, acquiring this reissue is not just a purchase; it’s an investment in sonic excellence and a chance to own a truly exceptional version of a jazz masterpiece. At a price of $34.99, securing your copy is highly recommended before they become harder to find.
