Alabama by John Coltrane

gian_tino’s jam on 21 Jan ’14 (See all)

“One of the most moving Coltrane pieces I know of. Everyone is playing like all the energy has been sucked out of the room, and the main introduction of the theme from 1:20 - 1:40 is so achingly beautiful. Dedicated to a 1963 KKK bombing of a church in Birmingham Alabama that killed 4 girls. But I don't think you necessarily need to know about the context to sense that the performance is about - "something is not ok".”

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This jam was posted by 18 people

but jasonwryan was first  

One of the most moving Coltrane pieces I know of. Everyone is playing like all the energy has been sucked out of the room, and the main introduction of the theme from 1:20 - 1:40 is so achingly beautiful. Dedicated to a 1963 KKK bombing of a church in Birmingham Alabama that killed 4 girls. But I don't think you necessarily need to know about the context to sense that the performance is about - "something is not ok".   2

gian_tino 21 Jan 2014

This came on a iTunes Radio mix this evening and literally stopped me in my tracks. I stopped and just listened. Amazing.

therealadam 2 Nov 2013

Coltrane on repeat!   2

kittproudfoot 4 May 2014

Incredible track - incredible footage. The Coltrane obsession continues.

BolzaF 24 Feb 2014

Every American history class should listen to and talk about this.   1

ethanhein 24 Jun 2014

This song really needs no introduction if you listen with your heart. But if you must know, Coltrane composed it as an elegy after four young girls died in the 1963 bombing of a black church in Alabama by the KKK.   3

lesamourai 15 Apr 2014

More John Coltrane See the best songs