Live at Temple University

Late-era Coltrane, November 1966, with expanded personnel, stretching OUT. Fellow saxophonist Pharoah Sanders speaks in tongues with Trane, whose wife Alice’s piano is ruminating yet ethereal. Rashied Ali’s drums throb and pulse throughout. In the opening ballad “Naima,” the theme slowly emerges. “Crescent” follows, clear tenor tones escalating to release, then solos from piano, drums, and guest musicians; Trane blissfully plays out the final six minutes of this 26-minute tour-de-force. Then-new compositions, “Leo” and a brief “Offering,” must have intrigued the audience. Coltrane closed with a reinvigorated and reimagined “My Favorite Things.”  Occasionally, Coltrane adds powerfully emotional non-lyric vocals. The recording quality, not Van Gelder quality, is better than expected. Ashley Kahn’s essay adds depth and perspective. Not for the novice, showcasing  the rare sound of Coltrane in concert outside of playing clubs.