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| Alice Coltrane Ascension Ceremony  With the passing of Alice Coltrane on January 12, 2007 at the age of 69, the world lost one of the true musical innovators of the past century. As an early pioneer of electronic keyboards, extended composition, jazz harp, spirituality, African and Eastern form and sound in her music, Alice Coltrane's imprint remains one of the most unique and radiant musical voices in the jazz world. Alice Coltrane's music and teachings embody an unshakable spiritual commitment that reflects her true love and devotion for God.This spiritual journey led her to found and teach at The Vedantic Center's Sai Anatam Ashram in Agoura Hills, California. She returned to recording after a 27-year hiatus with the beautiful CD "Translinear Light" in 2004, and recently completed work on her soon-to-be-released, "Sacred Language of Ascension". On Ascension Day, May 17, 2007 the jazz community pays homage to Alice's legacy with a remembrance ceremony at the beautiful and historic St. John The Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave. at 112th St. in New York City. The memorial will be open to the public and begin at 7:30pm. Among those paying tribute include Geri Allen, Rashied Ali, Ravi Coltrane, Jack DeJohnette, Charlie Haden, Roy Haynes, Reggie Workman - many of whom have collaborated with Mrs. Coltrane over the years. "Celebrating my mother's beautiful life with an evening devoted to her music, performed by the musicians that appeared on the original recordings, in this sacred space seems like the most fitting tribute we, her family, could offer", noted Alice's son, Ravi. As mother, grandmother, musician, composer and spiritual leader Swamini Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda lives on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched and continues to touch. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |