LP version. This album is a tribute to the person and spirit of John Coltrane. It was produced by musicians who not only admire Coltrane but embody similar values.

While it’s always a good time to honor Coltrane’s memory, this particular moment seems to carry an increased urgency of remembering his message and mission.

Since some owners of this amazing record may be unfamiliar with Coltrane’s character, it’s worthwhile to briefly state a few biographical details.

First, Coltrane was a compassionate individual. This is not my hypothesis or a well-intentioned assumption, but the credible testimony of his friends and family documented in countless publications. In my limited research, his affection was most often displayed in acts of generosity and the heavy-hearted empathy of truly caring. Second, Coltrane had a hunger for liberation. Even the simplest survey of his oeuvre will indicate Coltrane’s inclination toward freedom - be it socially or sonically. If one decides to dig deeper, they will inevitably unearth stories which capture his growth and development from a youth known for walking-the-bar to an intellectual seen attending a Malcom X speech. Such transformations were undoubtedly fueled - in part - by his strong emancipatory urge. Lastly, Coltrane maintained a cosmic perspective. The Space Race may have begun in 1957, but a sincere interest in the activity of the heavens existed long before the invention of rockets, satellites, telescopes, and Europe - for that matter. As a lover of world cultures and a pursuer of the divine, Coltrane fervently contemplated the properties of galaxies with their constellations and orbiting bodies. Such reflections upon reality certainly cultivated within him a universal vantage point from which to consider life on Earth.

Coltrane was born one hundred years ago (and some of his peers are still in the flesh). Before he died, he was sure to fulfill the leader’s calling by planting seeds and passing torches. One beautiful example of this [energy] transfer can be drawn from the fact that Ornette played at Trane’s funeral (in 1967) and Ravi played at Coleman’s (in 2015). Another beautiful example is this very record itself, which represents a manifestation of roots reaching back and reverberations blasting forward. May these captivating songs, inspired by Coltrane’s Meditations, enhance your own meditations, and assist you to surpass the oath of doing no harm, by being a real force for good.

Liner notes by Leon T. Smith III.

Muriel Grossmann (tenor saxophone), Radomir Milojkovic (guitar), Abel Boquera (Hammond B3 organ), Uros Stamenkovic (drums). Drone orchestra: Muriel Grossmann (bowed bass, harmonium, Tibetan bells, percussion, tambura). Recorded on November 16, 2025 at Sonic Vista Studios.