John Coltrane's "Ascension" - Live and electrified!
Troy Collins | Lancaster, PA United States | 05/29/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is Rova's second recording of John Coltrane's seminal 1965 free jazz masterpiece; "Ascension." A landmark of large group collective improvisation consisting of a simple unison head melody and a string of solos, "Ascension" was a mere skeleton of a composition. The Rova saxophone quartet and a few invited guests recorded a successful interpretation of the piece live in 1995 and decided it warranted continued performances, without ever intending to release them on record. But alas, here is their second version. As re-interpretations of iconic albums go, this is quite the ride. For purists however, this album may constitute blasphemy as much as the original was four decades ago.
Recorded live for a radio broadcast, Rova tripled the size of their traditional saxophone quartet line-up by inviting some of the West Coast's finest improvisers to join them. This newly augmented ensemble, half electronic, half acoustic, christened the "Orkestrova" shows surprising restraint considering its potential for overwhelming the listener in a wave of skull crushing sound.
Launching from the original head melody, the group begins its journey much like the original recording does, but that is essentially where the comparison ends. Where the piece once relied on repeated statements of the theme, interspersed with individual horn solos accompanied by a traditional rhythm section, this new wrinkle on a classic calls upon a series of innovatively arranged small group improvisations for some truly novel pairings.
Naturally, with a saxophone quartet leading the proceedings, there are a number of solo spots reserved for them, but these are tempered by a slew of electronic improvisations that were entirely unimaginable in 1965. In one of the more innovative moments, baritone saxophonist Jon Raskin duets frantically with Otomo Yoshinde's manic turntable scratching, surprisingly, Yoshinde's vinyl source material is that of a solo baritone saxophone. This manipulation of pre-recorded material in a duet with a live improviser on the very same instrument indicates the level of ingenuity on display here. Similar creativity can be found in individual performers' solos as well. During his two features, which bookend the composition, electric guitarist Nels Cline delivers an almost schizophrenic pair of solos. The first is frantically intense, with the second a lyrical, almost introspective excursion. Live electronics, samplers and turntables contribute an underlying sonic framework that unifies the sometimes chaotic sound of the ensemble. There are moments of respite as a chamber-esque duet between violinists Carla Kihlstedt and Jenny Scheinman provides delicate acoustic contrast with the ensemble's electronics heavy unison statements.
Rova may not have originally intended to record two variations of this masterpiece, but those who have the temerity and patience for such an event will not be displeased with the results. Purists will cry foul, but then some things never change."
Worth a listen...
Reader and Writer | USA | 10/03/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"especially if you are interested in possible compositional developments based on Coltrane. This performance begins wonderfully, at an energy level comparable to the original "Ascension." The drop off in energy when the improvisations are given over to the strings and electronics is astonishing. It may have worked in concert where you could see the players. On CD, it's a disappointment. The piece is like a deflating souffle. Thoughtfully constructed and well played, though."
Track Listings (1) - Disc #1