John Coltrane — First Meditations (For Quartet) (USED)

Used 1977 first pressing / Media is VG++ to NM only minor insert sleeve markings. / Artwork is graded conservatively as VG due to minor ringwear on front and back, mostly a slight discoloration. Has some minor spine wear at the opening right hand side. /

One of the great undiscovered secrets in the John Coltrane catalog, "First Meditations (For Quartet)" follows in the style of "A Love Supreme," recorded several months before, and is every bit as enjoyable.
Not released until 1977, the music on First Meditations was the last recording made by the classic John Coltrane Quartet; other slightly later records found the group incorporating additional musicians. Four of the five movements on this release (which are augmented by a lengthier second version of "Joy") would become part of the better-known Meditations album (along with another movement) two-and-a-half months later when tenor saxophonist Pharoah Sanders and drummer Rashied Ali temporarily made the group a sextet. Coltrane (sticking here exclusively to tenor) plays passionately, alternating ferocious explorations with more lyrical sections. -Allmusic