Turtle Island Quartet
Friday, May 9, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. (Program)

Ventura Missionary Church (Map)
500 High Point Drive
Ventura, California

David Balakrishnan, Violin
Evan Price, Violin
Mads Tolling, Viola
Mark Summer, Cello



A Love Supreme
The Music Of John Coltrane

Given the proper conditions, a work of art can transcend both genre and era, claiming its rightful place in the universality of human expression that justifies the very existence of mankind. Such is the case of John Coltrane's jazz epiphany, A Love Supreme. Recorded four decades ago at a time when the country was deeply troubled by issues of race and war, Trane's music was a personal statement of redemption and salvation that struck a chord in the hearts of millions, becoming one of the most enduring jazz recordings of all time. The string quartet form itself continues to thrive in the 21st century in no small part due to its impressive history of similar achievements in its two hundred year old canon. In exploring John Coltrane's musical legacy, the Grammy winning Turtle Island Quartet continues its own tradition of employing the string quartet form to shed new light on the timeless joy and beauty contained in the greatest music of the American jazz masters. The concert program will present an in-depth look at this landmark recording in the greater context of the music that preceded and followed, a time many consider to be the last great evolutionary period of jazz.

First Half:
In keeping with the jazz tradition, the first half of the program will be announced from the stage.

Second Half:
John Coltrane
(arr. Mark Summer)
Moment's Notice
John Coltrane
(arr. David Balakrishnan)
Naima
John Coltrane
(arr. Evan Price)
Countdown
John Coltrane
(arr. David Balakrishnan)
A Love Supreme
I. Acknowledgement
II. Resolution
III. Pursuance
IV. Psalm
Stanley Clarke
(arr. Mads Tolling)
Song For John