The renowned pianist discusses her spiritual and musical journey

Spirituality is the axis of Alice Coltrane’s life. Coltrane’s music is characterized by Eastern harmonies and a deep philosophical foundation that dates back to her early days with her late husband, John. Her November 4 performance at the 24th Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival commemorates what would have been the great John Coltrane’s 80th birthday year. It is also one of only three U.S. performances by Alice Coltrane’s new all-star quartet featuring her son and alto saxophonist Ravi Coltrane , Grammy-winning bassist Charlie Haden, and drummer Roy Haynes, an NEA Jazz Master — not to mention Alice's first SF appearance in two decades.

But it is another, less-public role that defines Coltrane’s quotidian existence. Introduced to Eastern philosophy by John in the ’60s, Alice left the music world in the mid ’70s. “I felt that it was time for the next generation of musicians,” she said in a recent interview with Essence Magazine. “And the music was changing, so I thought maybe my time was finished.” Since the mid ’70s she has led her own Vedantic Center, which she founded in San Francisco before relocating to a lush, 50-acre retreat in the Santa Monica Hills in Southern California. Though her fans may still know her as Alice Coltrane, at the Sai Anantam Ashram, she is better known as Swamini A. C. Turiyasangitananda.

Coltrane describes her days at Sai Anantam as a peaceful, simple combination of mediation; overseeing Jowcol Music, John’s publishing company; and spending time with her children (Michelle, Ravi , and Oran) and her grandchildren. As Spiritual Director of the ashram, Coltrane encourages visitors to tap into the power of meditation, which she regards as the “highest spiritual practice.” Though the Vedantic Center is based in the study of the Vedas, Sai Anantam welcomes all denominations. “What I try to give is the guidance that people might not otherwise have been able to find...I offer my inner understanding.”

Her music is infused with that same spiritual purpose. Meditative drones are flecked with sweep of an organ or a harp. It billows, swirls, and grooves, while maintaining a reverent poise. Her return to music is a rare blessing: 2004’s Translinear Light was her first album in over 20 years. “Tranlinear Light stands as yet another profound expression in Alice Coltrane's extraordinary career,” said jazz critic Bill Milkowski. “It all unfolds gracefully, evocatively, zenfully... like a prayer.”

Alice Coltrane Quartet feat. Ravi Coltrane with Charlie Haden & Roy Haynes Saturday, November 4 • 8pm Masonic Center, SF

SFJAZZ All-Stars Take Center Stage

What young jazz musician, watching Joshua Redman or Eric Harland performing, hasn't thought “That could be me someday”?  SFJAZZ brings that dream alive with its All-Star High School Ensembles (“the All-Stars” for short). Since 2001, the All-Stars have kicked off the San Francisco Jazz Festival with a free concert. That tradition continues this Tuesday, October 17, as the SFJAZZ All-Star High School Ensemble previews the Festival with a free Noon show in San Francisco’s Union Square.

The 21 members of the All-Stars are the cream of the crop of young Bay Area jazz musicians.  Each September, Bay Area High School jazz musicians audition for esteemed educator and All-Stars Director Dee Spencer, the co-founder of the San Francisco State University Jazz Studies program. The young musicians selected enjoy an invaluable introduction to the world of professional jazz performance.

Members of the All-Stars receive instruction from professional jazz performers and get to draw on each other's varied experience in an ensemble setting. "We're nurturing the future of jazz," says SFJAZZ Interim Director of Education Drew Foxman. "It's essentially a professional development program, on a continuum that stretches from our Jazz in the Middle Program, through the All-Stars and Young Composers Project, to the residency of our esteemed SFJAZZ Collective.” The programs directly address a key component of SFJAZZ's ongoing mission—to cultivate new jazz artists and audiences.

One of this year’s All-Stars, Eliana Athayde, has been around jazz all her life—her father is a musician and jazz educator.  Last year she was the backup bassist for the All Stars, but this year she ascended to a main position.  "I was a little nervous, but I had auditioned before,” she said. “They did have me sight-read a piece, which went fine."  Danny Mertens, one of two All-Star pianists this season, enjoys the camaraderie of the program: "It has been very comfortable for me in the ensemble. It's great meeting and playing with some of the best high school jazz musicians in the Bay Area."

With so many incredible talents, and such focused support from the organization and the community, the SFJAZZ All-Star High School Ensembles provide a unique opportunity for talented Bay Area youth—and a fitting inauguration for the Festival’s 24th season.

—Daniel Savio

[Daniel Savio is SFJAZZ’s Marketing & Communications intern and an aspiring jazz composer/performer]