Golden Classics

Chi Coltrane’s self-titled LP and it’s hit single, “Thunder and Lightning”, were a major and welcomed surprise in late 1972. Not only did she have an electrifying voice but she wrote her own songs, joining the ranks of other early 70’s singer/songwriters like Carly Simon, Carole King, Cat Stevens and Elton John, all of whom would have a string of hit singles in that decade. “Thunder and Lightning” was much bigger than it looks from a chart retrospective. It peaked at #17 but that was only because in those days a single by a new artist usually broke gradually from one market to another and thus never received a huge amount of sales or airplay all at one time. In the same year the Eagles’ first hit, “Take It Easy”, also really big, reached only #12 at its peak for the same reasons.The album was really stunning, one of those first albums by a songwriter who had been composing for a long enough time to have a number of good songs to choose from. (The first albums of Carly Simon,James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg, Joni Mitchell and Laura Nyro were all notable debuts for the same reason). Of those, the only one Coltrane could be compared to is Laura Nyro, who also had a soulful pop style but in a different, usually more introverted way. Coltrane also wrote credible gospel music (“Go Like Elijah”) and haunting ballads. She had a sharp voice that could cut through any backup in her fast songs and could use it to express both anger and joy. In her ballads she could be whisperingly soft, sad, questioning or almost tearful.Coming from Wisconsin and the bars and clubs of Chicago, she paid to make her own demo and got noticed by Columbia talent scout Paul Barrata and soon was signed. Columbia gave her beautiful production and engineering with a great Memphis-style horn section and some of the best session players in L.A. There is even a gospel choir on “Go Like Elijah”. In addition to this there is her piano playing which is accomplished beyond the usual pop piano; stylistically she is a bit like Elton John.It’s an album in which almost all the songs are memorable and most of them were strong enough to be potential singles. “You Were My Friend” alternates soft and tender passages with an angry, shouted chorus accented by brass and orchestra and has a strong Elton John influence. “Feelin’ Good” is a contagious song that gets you feeling the same way. “It’s Really Come To This” is a tender ballad of regret sung in such a hesitant and emotion-laden way that it seems she’ll break down before the number is through.; yet it feels real and never stagey.”I Will not Dance”, the obligatory protest song, is angry and sincerely sung and is more effective for its simple arrangement. The big ballad and closing number of the album is “The Wheel of Life”, a somber, melancholy meditation in an ominous minor key with the accompaniment of piano and tremulous violins. Coltrane plays Rachmaninov-sized chords here and Paul Buckmaster brilliantly arranged the strings that murmur on after the vocal in a way that suggests life’s continually-weaving tapestry.With all this I was sure Chi Coltrane would be a big name for the next few years at least; on top of her considerable talent she was also a stunning-looking blond. But somehow this didn’t happen. Even though she wrote in a popular style well-suited to the radio, she nevertheless seemed to completely disappear and is remembered, if at all, as a one-hit-wonder. Columbia backed her, releasing a number of singles through 1974 and a second album (“Let It Ride”) all to no avail. This has always been a mystery to me. For some reason the public just ignored her after her first hit.I’m happy to say that she did go on to be a popular recording artist and concert performer in Europe, especially in Germany and the Netherlands, where she was big through the 70s and 80s. After a long break she had a successful comeback tour there and having seen some of this on YouTube, I can say that she sounds as good as ever. I’m glad someone appreciates Chi Coltrane but it’s too bad she was not as big here in America.The CD on Collectables contains the entire first album in its original playing order, tracks 1-11, plus two songs from her second album. Sound has sometimes been an issue with this oldies label but here it is quite good. Collectables seems to have been bought by Sony somewhere along the way and this disc is released as part of Sony Special Products, so that may account for the good remastering.

I mostly got this for "Thunder and Lightning" but all the songs are pretty good. I think musicians today (if you dare call them that) have lost some talent for singing--too much autotune!! I'll listen to music 30-40 yrs ago as opposed to today.

Chi Coltrane only had one hit song! BUT OH ~~ What a great song it is!!!"Thunder and Lighting" is a must have ~~ if I've ever heard one!The B-side is also here ~ "Time to come in" from 1972.I was surprised how versed these selections are.Here's a range from slow and soft, to the driving hit song already mentioned,and a spiritual added for good measure ~~"Go like Elijah" in an uptempo, energizing gospel song.Coltrane was a very talented singer/pianist and wrote all the selections on this album.All original recordings.

I "discovered" this album in the base store while in the Air Force way back in 1973. I lost my turntable (among other things) to lightning several years ago. I was very happy to see this available on CD.

As a teenager back in 1972, I was mad about Chi's hit single, "Thunder and Lightning", which I played to death. But other then the flip side of the 45, "Go Like Elijah", I had never heard any other of her music, so discovering this disc was a great surprise. Chi Coltrane should have made it BIG. She's as talented as many of her contemporaries who did make it big, such as Carole King and Carly Simon, and why she didn't will remain one of the big mysteries of the 1970's. Her powerfull vocals soar above her beautiful piano-driven ballads, and the gospel-tinged rockers will have you dancing around your living room. If you like women artists, this cd will not disappoint, and will be a welcome addition to your collection. Highly recommended.

Have been looking for a CD of this album for years - have the original vinyl but nothing to play it on. Had a videocassette as well, again, nothing to play it in. This CD has some great music; anyone who remembers Chi Coltrane and liked her, this is the CD to get!

Chi's the best ever!

This is a great album for Chi fans, despite the lack of material from the Let It Ride album. The only thing that bothered me about it, aside from the missing Let It Ride songs, was the obvious lack of re-mastering done on the tracks. It sounds like an early 80's CD. I expected more from Sony. I'll add my voice to all of those who think that every one of Chi's old albums should be released on CD, remastered and complete, with original packaging. I don't understand why Chi hasn't gotten the respect she deserves.

beautiful music and fast delivery

Voila bien une chanteuse "inconnue en France", qui sort de l'ordinaire, une voie forte et grave, une musique sympa, à écouter avant d'acheter, car le style est un peu spécial, mais j'avoue avoir accroché asser rapidement !

I loved her ballads already in the 1970s, and my LP was warn out. The CD has not the soft analog sound as the said LP, but I now enjoy her songs when driving my car.

My Chi Coltrane was stolen years ago, so I'm so glad to have her beautiful songs in my possession again.