Ask The Ages

Ask the Ages (1991) was the last album released by jazz guitarist Sonny Sharrock before his death in 1994 (though posthumously released albums followed). This is made more poignant by the fact that it is generally regarded as being his finest recording, in terms both of the compositions, all of which were Sharrock’s own, and of the performance. The playing of all four musicians is of a high order, and this marked something of a return to form for Pharoah Sanders in particular.

Ask the Ages is Sonny Sharrock’s masterpiece, and sadly it was also the last album he would record before his premature death in 1994. It’s the most challenging jazz work he recorded as a leader, and it’s the clearest expression of his roots as a jazz player, drawing heavily on Coltrane’s modal post-bop and concepts of freedom. To that end, Sharrock reunites with Coltrane’s old cohort, Pharoah Sanders, who featured Sharrock on his wild Tauhid and Izipho Zam LPs; what’s more, Coltrane Quartet drummer Elvin Jones is on hand, as is young bassist Charnett Moffett. It’s far and away the best, most adventurous, and most jazz-oriented backing group Sharrock recorded with during his comeback, and the results are breathtaking. The compositions are all Sharrock originals, and all six have utterly memorable themes that often recall the sweeping lyricism of Sanders’ most spiritual ’60s works.