Impulse Schallplatten & CDs

Review: In 1971, the harpist, pianist and ultimately multi-instrumentalist jazz musician Alice Coltrane performed at the Carnegie Hall for a special gala benefiting the Integral Yoga Institute. Backed by an all-star group of musicians, Coltrane delivered a captivating set which will now be available in its entirety on vinyl for the first time. The Carnegie Hall Concert, now out on Verve, documents one of the defining moments of Coltrane's career, taking place not long after the immediate positive reception to the release of her spotlit Journey In Satchidananda LP. The concert, which spans both recognisable and unique compositions by Coltrane, ultimately conveyed a uniquely Eastern edge lent to Western spiritual jazz, and came as the first dedicated concert to be themed after the lessons gleaned from recognition of the Hindu god and enlightened state, Satchidananda; it enlisted the aid of two of her closest friends in the circle she'd joined during a formative trip to India that year, Kumar Kramer and Tulsi Reynolds.

Review: Four years after the untimely death of her husband John Coltrane, Alice Coltrane held a special concert at Carnegie Hall. This was planned to be released by Impulse at the time but somehow this legendary concert recording stayed dormant until this year. This release is to kick off a release tribute that will continue through the year that joins Verve and Impulse in tribute to Alice and her work. This double CD included two transcendental tunes from Journey in Satchidananda (Which Alice released just the year before), followed by two compositions by John Coltrane and served as a sign of things to come. These two pieces that showed a sign of what was to come from John Coltrane as he entered into the 1970s. Make sure to pick up this special concert!

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Blue World is an album that was never intended for release. It features music commissioned for a soundtrack for a Canadian film in 1964 and showcases a quartet that was at its very best. It's made up of short tracks and alternate takes of early Coltrane material and is utterly vibrant. Catchy little ditties like "Village Blues", stripped down numbers like the title track and the mostly-improvised "Traneing In" are all testament to the enduring brilliance of Coltrane, no matter the setting in which he was playing. The clarity of the recording and richness of the bass playing also add to the overall beauty of this record.

Review: In August 1961, John Coltrane and his legendary Quintet, joined by visionary multi-instrumentalist Eric Dolphy, played the revered Village Gate in Greenwich Village, New York, not, at that time, as established as it would soon become. This special new double album features over an hour and a half of music that has never before been heard, including well-known Coltrane classics such as 'My Favorite Things' and 'Greensleeves' as well as the only known non-studio recording of Coltrane's 'Africa' from his Africa/Bass album. The record then marks a historic moment in Coltrane's career.

Review: Last year, an eagle-eyed researcher discovered a genuine slept-on gem in the archives of New York Public Library: a forgotten, unreleased recording of the John Coltrane Quintet playing - alongside bass clarinettist Eric Dolphy, at the iconic Village Gate venue in August 1961. Here, that recording - now freshly mastered - is released to the public for the first time, and as you'd expect it's rather special. Coltrane is at his magical, blistering best throughout, with his band offering similarly impressive support throughout. Highlights include the only live recording yet discovered of the quintet performing 'Africa', an insanely good 10-minute take on Coltrane classic 'Impressions', and Dolphy's star turn on 'When Lights Are Low'. In a word: essential!

Review: Yusef Lateef's brand of jazz is surely some of the easiest to love. That's not to say it's simplistic in any way, but rather than his affinity for groove and melody is just an instant pleasure - a smouldering mood which takes you somewhere far and fantastic without the need to raise the pulse. 1965 LP Psychicemotus is another masterpiece from a man whose career is nothing but masterpieces, leading in with the winding wonder of the title track led by Late's signature flute and backed up by Georges Arvanitas on piano, Reggie Workman on bass and James Black on drums. Whether you're a completist filling a gap or a jazz-curious bystander, this album will never let you down.