John Coltrane was probably the most influential jazz musician since Charlie Parker, so great was his authority in the fields of harmony, melody, and form. Yet, only a few saxophonists, like Wayne Shorter, managed to assimilate his teachings, while many others lacked the resources or talent to do anything more than try to copy him. The recordings gathered here show Coltrane’s meteoric rise to fame, earning the recognition of all his peers. His ascent commands admiration and invariably leaves every listener wanting to hear more.