John Coltrane - Ascension (1966/2016) [Official Digital Download 24-bit/192kHz]

A pivotal album not only in John Coltrane's career but also in the evolution of jazz, the adventurous 1966 outing "Ascension" consists of a single, 40-minute long composition split over the two sides of the original vinyl. Coltrane is part of a seven-piece horn section (which includes Freddie Hubbard) with McCoy Tyner on piano, Art Davis and Jimmy Garrison on bass and drummer Elvin Jones. This release includes both takes recorded by Coltrane and his musicians, known as "Edition I" and "Edition II", previously available individually.

prior to 1965, Coltrane could be heard playing in an avant vein with stretched-out solos, atonality, and a seemingly free design to the beat, Ascension throws most rules right out the window with complete freedom from the groove and strikingly abrasive sheets of horn interplay. Recorded with three tenors (Trane, Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp), two altos (Marion Brown, John Tchicai), two trumpet players (Freddie Hubbard, Dewey Johnson), two bassists (Art Davis, Jimmy Garrison), the lone McCoy Tyner on piano, and Elvin Jones on the drums, this large group is both relentless and soulful simultaneously. While there are segments where the ensemble plays discordant and abrasive skronks, these are usually segues into intriguing blues-based solos from each member. The comparison that is immediately realized is Ornette Coleman's Free Jazz of five years previous. However, it should be known that Ascension certainly carries its own weight, and in a strange sense makes Coleman's foray a passive adventure – mostly due to an updated sonic quality (à la Bob Thiele) and also Trane's greater sense of passionate spiritualism. Timed at around 40 minutes, this can be a difficult listen at first, but with a patient ear and an appreciation for the finer things in life, the reward is a greater understanding of the personal path that the artist was on at that particular time in his development. Coltrane was always on an unceasing mission for personal expansion through the mouthpiece of his horn, but by the time of this recording he had begun to reach the level of "elder statesman" and to find other voices (Shepp, Sanders, and Marion Brown) to propel and expand his sounds and emotions. Therefore, Ascension reflects more of an event rather than just a jazz record and should be sought out by either experienced jazz appreciators or other open-minded listeners, but not by unsuspecting bystanders.

Tracklist:

01 - Ascension Edition I, Pt. 1
02 - Ascension Edition I, Pt. 2
03 - Ascension Edition II, Pt. 1
04 - Ascension Edition II, Pt. 2

More info @ Wikipedia

Musicians:
John Coltrane – tenor saxophone
Freddie Hubbard – trumpet
Dewey Johnson – trumpet
Marion Brown – alto saxophone
John Tchicai – alto saxophone
Pharoah Sanders – tenor saxophone
Archie Shepp – tenor saxophone
McCoy Tyner – piano
Art Davis – bass
Jimmy Garrison – bass
Elvin Jones – drums


Thanks to the Original customer!