Emerging City: New Banner Same Offer

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Offer still stands… Blackberries Ice Cream and Coffee gift certificate for the first person to identify the location of the eyes on this month’s banner, taken from a mural in Denver. (Click on “comments” with your guess.) No takers last month, so here’s a gimme hint: it’s in an alley just off “the longest street in America.”

For a fascinating reflection on the legendary musician in the mural, John Coltrane, head to Jazz Theologian.

JazzTheo quotes Coltrane’s liner notes from A Love Supreme:
Dear Listener:

All Praise Be To God To Whom All Praise Is Due. Let us pursue Him in the righteous path. Yes it is true; “seek and ye shall find.” Only through Him can we know the most wondrous bequeathal.

During the year 1957, I experienced, by the grace of God, a spiritual awakening which was to lead me to a richer, fuller, more productive life. At that time, in gratitude, I humbly asked to be given the means and privilege to make others happy through music. I feel this has been granted through His grace. ALL PRAISE TO GOD.

As time and events moved on, a period of irresolution did prevail. I entered into a phase which was contradictory to the pledge and away from the esteemed path; but thankfully, now and again through the unerring and merciful hand of God, I do perceive and have been duly re-informed of His OMNIPOTENCE, and of our need for, and dependence on Him. At this time I would like to tell you that NO MATTER WHAT…IT IS WITH GOD. HE IS GRACIOUS AND MERCIFUL. HIS WAY IS IN LOVE, THROUGH WHICH WE ALL ARE . IT IS TRULY—A LOVE SUPREME--.

This album is a humble offering to Him. An attempt to say “THANK YOU GOD” through our work, eve as we do in our hearts and with our tongues. May He help and strengthen all men in every good endeavor…
May we never forget that in the sunshine of our lives, through the storm and after the rain—it is all with God—in all ways forever.

ALL PRAISE TO GOD.

Signed John Coltrane

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My son Ben, who took the mural photo, recently finished a high school project on Coltrane titled “Jazz Theology,” inspired by my friend JazzTheo’s website. In the process he got the idea to phone various members of Coltrane’s family. I bit my lip and didn’t discourage him from wasting time trying to run down people who probably didn’t want to be bothered. Within a few hours he was on the phone with both Coltrane’s widow and daughter, who were eager to help!

February's banner was taken from a mural at 33rd and Gilpin in Northeast Denver. Though it’s just a few blocks from my house, I don’t know Geronimo’s story. Can anyone fill me in?

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