Ornette Coleman

Free Jazz: A Collective Improvisation (Limited Ed) (VNL 12202 LP)

Free Jazz: A Collective Improvisation (Limited Ed) View larger

Free Jazz: A Collective Improvisation (Limited Ed)

Ornette Coleman

Ermitage

8032979642020

LPS 168672

VNL 12202 LP

JAZZ

1

Currently unavailable

LP 19,98 €

180 gram high-definition virgin vinyl

5 STARS ALL MUSIC GUIDE

Ornette Coleman's album recorded in December 1960 stands at the beginning of the free jazz era like a massive portal. Coleman thought big: he brought two quartets into the studio at the same time, both with two wind instruments and no piano, and let them play together for 36 minutes without a break - a collective improvisation.

There aren't any precise themes, although short, fanfare-like motifs do exist in which the winds come together. A continuous dense rhythmic beat underlies the music almost throughout - and the pulse is felt rather than heard. One musician after the other comes into the foreground to improvise, almost like at a jam session. First Coleman, then Dolphy, then the two trumpeters.

The other winds, however, never remain silent, then make comments and support one another continually - the energy level is immense the whole time (it was cold in the studio ...). Only when it is the turn of the bass and drum players do the winds remain silent for about eleven minutes.

This album is not only a historic caesura, but a truly great experience over and over again.

PERSONNEL:

  • Ornette Coleman - (alto sax)
  • Eric Dolphy - (bass clarinet)
  • Don Cherry - (pocket trumpet)
  • Freddie Hubbard - (trumpet)
  • Scott LaFaro - (bass)
  • Charlie Haden - (bass)
  • Billy Higgins - (drums)
  • Ed Blackwell - (drums)

TRACKS:

  • SIDE A:
  • Free Jazz - Part I
  • SIDE B:
  • Free Jazz - Part II