Raul Sööt calls Coltrane’s A Love Supreme perfect

Estonian saxophonist Raul Sööt has described John Coltrane’s album A Love Supreme as “something more than just music,” ERR reported. Klassikaraadio’s jazz history series Džässi kuld is dedicating its September programmes to Coltrane, whose 100th birth anniversary falls on September 23.

Coltrane was known for his innovative approach to jazz improvisation and harmony, distinctive musical language and spirituality, which became especially prominent in his later work. His influence can be heard in the playing of virtually every contemporary saxophonist, and he remains one of the most imitated jazz musicians. During his short but intense life, he recorded more than 50 albums.

The first programme of the new season examined A Love Supreme, a four-part suite completed in 1964. The work has a spiritual and religious dimension and was Coltrane’s expression of gratitude to God after he overcame drug and alcohol addiction.

“It is a ritual in which a priest opens a mystical world to us, takes us through it and then locks the door again, because it does not belong to everyday bustle,” Sööt said.

The next edition, on September 12, will focus on Coltrane’s composition Om, a psychedelic experience that brought him close to achieving catharsis in music. Saxophonist and composer Nikita Korzoun will discuss the work.

The final September programme will examine, with saxophonist Villu Veski, how Coltrane approached jazz standards, including My Favourite Things from the musical The Sound of Music, which he frequently performed with his quartet.

Džässi kuld is broadcast on Klassikaraadio every Saturday at 2 p.m. The series is edited by Ivo Heinloo.