Mama

John Coltrane - Kulu Se Mama (1965) {2000 Impulse! Remaster}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC+CUE+LOG -> 455 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 156 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 43 Mb
© 2000 Universal / Verve / Impulse! | 543 412-2
Jazz / Avant-Garde / Post Bop

KULU SE MAMA is a somewhat neglected LP recorded by John Coltrane in 1965 during a key transitional stage in his career. Two of the album's three lengthy tracks ("Vigil" and "Welcome") feature the legendary saxophonist with his classic quartet (including bassist Jimmy Garrison, drummer Elvin Jones, and pianist McCoy Tyner). And these pieces have the open, exploratory, modal feel familiar to fans of Coltrane's A LOVE SUPREME period. "Kulu Se Mama" itself features an expanded line-up that includes saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, drummer Frank Butler, bassist and bass clarinetist Donald Garrett, and percussionist/singer Juno Lewis (who wrote the piece), with an African feel that includes layered polyrhythms and chanted vocals.

As the title suggests, this is the definitive edition of Etta James' Tell Mama long-player. For this single-disc release the original album is augmented with five previously unissued tracks – documented during James' four Muscle Shoals sessions circa '67-'68. The question of why a rural Alabama town became a conduit for some of the most memorable and instantly identifiable grooves may still be up for debate. The evidence exists in droves and Tell Mama could certainly be considered exhibit A. These sessions feature the same impact that would redirect several first ladies of soul. Notable among them are Dusty Springfield's Dusty in Memphis, Aretha Franklin's I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) and to somewhat lesser acclaim, Jackie DeShannon's Jackie. Tell Mama showcases some of the unique and admittedly darker qualities of what might best be described as R&B noir. "I'd Rather Go Blind," "Steal Away," "I'm Gonna Take What He's Got" all exemplify the essence of the blues – making the best of a bad situation.