Cosmic Music: The Life, Art, and Transcendence of Alice Coltrane
Transcendence: Cosmic Music is a full-length biography of Alice Coltrane, tracing her life, music and spiritual leadership. The listing describes research and interviews, with attention to her musical influences and connections across jazz, soul, classical, electronic and Indian music.
At a glance
- A biography of pianist, organist, harpist and composer Alice Coltrane, who is also described as a spiritual leader.
- The listing says the book draws on extensive research and new interviews by music journalist Andy Beta.
- Its account connects Coltrane's music with the evolution of Black American music and a range of musical forms.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Centres Alice Coltrane's own work and influence rather than treating her only in relation to John Coltrane.
- The stated 480-page length allows room for a broad account of her life, music and spiritual path.
- The described musical context spans jazz, gospel, soul, R&B, rock, modern classical, psychedelia and new age.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Da Capo |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 3 March 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 480 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0306836165 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0306836169 |
| Weight listed | 680 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.85 x 3.73 x 23.39 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers seeking a substantial biography of Alice Coltrane and her musical and spiritual life.
- Jazz and music-history readers interested in links between Black American music and other traditions.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for sheet music, a discography-only reference or a brief introduction rather than a full biography.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
77% 77% - 4 stars
18% 18% - 3 stars
5% 5% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
0% 0%
Aggregate ratings lean favourable, with most ratings in the five-star category and a smaller share in the four-star category. A small three-star share shows that reactions are not entirely uniform, but the ratings alone do not explain why. They offer limited guidance on the book's writing or depth, so readers should use the listed subject, scope and length to judge fit.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this book about?
It is a biography of Alice Coltrane, the pianist, organist, harpist, composer and spiritual leader.
What musical ground does the book cover?
The listing describes connections across gospel, jazz, bebop, soul, R&B, rock, modern classical, psychedelia, new age, electronic and Indian music.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 480 pages.
