The Mattson 2: Play “A Love Supreme” Vinyl LP

Youve got to hand it to them, most jazz musicians wouldnt touch A Love Supreme with a fifty foot pole but The Mattson 2 arent purists. Originally inserted into our consciousness via an excellent collab full-length with Chaz Bundick last year, Jonathan Mattson (the drumming half of the identical twin brothers) explains: The purpose of our reinterpretation of A Love Supreme was to lean into the spirit of exploration and transformation thats embodied in jazz. We dont claim to be traditional jazz musicians, for us its about creatively adapting the art form, decontextualizing it, and exploring the genre in new ways. While it doesnt top the original – thats certainly not their intent – this adventurous approach does justice to the creative fire that Trane & co. brought into the studio when they recorded his magnum opus, and thats what counts: Jazz has been confined to such a narrow definition over the years and we want to make sure the genre continues to grow and evolve. It should be a living, breathing thing. The two brothers used Coltranes notes, along with the complete session outtakes and previous tributes by other players to prepare for the recording, and Jonathans explosive drumming and Jareds majestic gypsy guitar feels almost as urgent and transcendent as Coltranes original. Theres something about that gong that opens Part 1: Acknowledgement, followed by Jared Mattson running through Tranes opening sax lick that just gives me chills. Further proof (if you needed it) that John Coltrane wasnt just a genius saxophonist but a brilliant composer, as his works retain theirhigh potency regardless of whos playing them. Recommended.

• full-length tribute to John Coltranes classic album
• plays at 45RPM
• black vinyl pressing
• full-color printed inner sleeve
• music label: Spiritual Pajamas 2018

reviewed by nick nightingale 08/2018