CHASIN' THE TRANE: The Music and Mystique of John Coltrane

by J.C. Thomas ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 18, 1975

The rise and long working hours of tenor giant John Coltrane who kicked heroin early and found God in music that, for some, elevates him to Buddha status (in California a church has been built featuring his religious pieces). Author Thomas sees him in a clearer light as ""a reluctant mystic. . . a brilliant musician. . . and a decent man."" Along the way to his final paroxysms of prayer, Trane also kicked cigarettes and booze, and his story is that of an honest man in the high-pressure world musicians live in, not only surviving but still remaining completely himself, His greatest problems were his incredibly demanding practice schedule (he never met his own standards) and his overweight. He trained not only on sax scales but also blew scales for piano, violin and harp. Not especially tall, he ballooned at last to 240 pounds and was ashamed to play in public. His lovelife seems remarkably restrained and domesticated. In the middle of his career his playing expanded into ""sheets of sound"" that carried intense conviction, solos that ran on for 45 minutes like an unstoppable express, but always they were anchored in his chord Studies and search for new overtones on his instrument. Many complained of repetitiousness, while the more friendly fans -- such as sitarist Ravi Shankar -- found a turbulent sadness at the core of Trane's mysticism that disturbed them deeply. The present biography is workmanlike, not inspired -- but it should herald new interest in Trane's genius and his penetrating innovative sound.

Pub Date: April 18, 1975

ISBN: 0306800438

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1975

Categories: NONFICTION