John Coltrane would be celebrating his 100th birthday today. One of my favorite Coltrane records is Ascension. A total classic in the world of free jazz that was recorded just six months after A Love Supreme. Featuring a huge ensemble of big time players like Pharoah Sanders, Freddie Hubbard, Archie Shepp, McCoy Tyner, Dewey Johnson, Marion Brown, Jimmy Garrison, Elvin Jones and John Tchicai (did I miss anyone? Wow!).
I first heard this while in high school on the compilation The Major Works of John Coltrane that I checked out of the local library (Which also included “Om”, “Kulu Se Mama” and “Selflessness”…talk about a mind blower). “Edition II” remains my favorite of the two takes, so that’s what I’m cranking up today.