Spiritual Jazz

Spiritual jazz on vinyl: jazz as prayer

In short: Spiritual jazz gained its profile in the sixties; John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” from 1965 became a central point of reference. Typical are a religious or meditative attitude, long, circling pieces and influences from Africa and Asia. Pharoah Sanders, Alice Coltrane and Lonnie Liston Smith carried it on – and today it is enjoying a revival. The Vinyl Room currently has 20 spiritual jazz records.

What is spiritual jazz?

Deep basses, bells, harp and a saxophone that sings and screams: Pharoah Sanders is represented with “Pharoah” and a 1975 Paris concert recording, Lonnie Liston Smith with “Cosmic Funk”, Marion Brown with “Vista”. The Art Ensemble Of Chicago and Woody Shaw show the freer, more militant side.

In 2021 came “Promises”: Pharoah Sanders with electronic musician Floating Points and the London Symphony Orchestra. From South Africa comes drummer Tumi Mogorosi.

What to look for

Besides seventies originals, many tracks are available today on compilations such as the “Spiritual Jazz” series and as reissues. Which edition you get is noted with each copy.

From our stock

First pressings

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FAQ

What is spiritual jazz? Jazz with an often religious or meditative attitude that gained its profile in the sixties – with John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” as a central point of reference.

Who shaped spiritual jazz? Among others Pharoah Sanders, Alice Coltrane and Lonnie Liston Smith.

What is “Promises”? A 2021 album with Pharoah Sanders, Floating Points and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Is there new spiritual jazz? Yes – here, for example, “Promises” and Tumi Mogorosi from South Africa.