Alice Coltrane Tribute@The Freight in Berkeley

The Alice Coltrane Tribute@The Freight and Salvage in Berkeley was amazing. Michelle, her daughter, was musical director. The evening was spirituality uplifting-- a blend of the sacred and secular.  Center stage was a photo of Alice Coltrane or Swamini Turiyasangitananda surrounded by flowers and lights.  Seashells framed her photo. The name Turiyasangitananda translates to "the Transcendental Lord's Highest Song of Bliss." Swamini means teacher. 

The altar was raised. Marigolds were scattered along the stage perimeter with tea lights. On the side of the stage one of the banners from Monumental Eternal@the Hammer Museum, graced the stage. It was nice seeing daughter and mom-ancestor on stage together. 

Destiny Muhammad was also amazing. Remember her Alice Coltrane tribute: Journey in Satchidananda @the Malonga Casquelorde Center for the Arts? Love Destiny's recording too. It would have been nice to have heard Alice's gospel and bluesy influences on the organ. The ensemble was excellent. Besides Destiny, I knew Deszon Claiborne, the drummer. Here is the complete lineup: Michelle Coltrane (Vocals), Lisa E. Harris (Vocals), Arianna Gouveia (Vocals), Shea Welsh (Guitar), Tateng Katindig (Piano), Brian Juarez (Bass), Deszon Claiborne (Drums), Tristan Harrison Cappel (Saxophone / flute), and Destiny Muhammed (Harp).

The encore was "A Love Supreme" which Alice recorded on her album World Galaxy, which was released in 1972.

There were recordings and photos shared during the performance which called Alice Coltrane into the 

Closing song: A Love Supreme adaptation

Tonight A Love Supreme featured spoken word or rap. It was a fitting close to a lovely evening. The family is now focused on the Coltrane home estate. The vision is an art center. 

 https://thecoltranehome.org/about-the-home/mission-and-vision/