John Coltrane – Ascension (Edition I) VG+/VG+

John Coltrane’s Ascension (Edition I) is a landmark recording that stands as a turning point in his career and the history of jazz. Released in 1966, it captured a moment of radical experimentation where Coltrane abandoned traditional structures and embraced a more free-flowing, collective approach.

Imagine a churning sea of sound, where multiple saxophones weave a tapestry of intense melodies. Coltrane is joined by a large ensemble, including fiery trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Dewey Johnson, the soaring tenor sax of Pharoah Sanders, and the ever-propulsive drumming of Elvin Jones. Together, they create a dense sonic landscape that builds tension and releases it in waves of collective improvisation.

This is not easy listening. Ascension (Edition I) is a challenging and abrasive work that pushes the boundaries of what jazz could be. It’s a relentless exploration of sound and texture, where individual solos erupt and recede within the larger group interplay. Yet, beneath the surface, there’s a powerful sense of energy and freedom, a feeling of musicians pushing each other to new heights.

Ascension (Edition I) is a crucial piece for understanding Coltrane’s artistic journey. It’s a testament to his relentless pursuit of innovation and his willingness to challenge both himself and his audience. It’s a document of a singular moment in jazz history, a moment where the music broke free from its moorings and soared into the unknown.