Ornette Coleman

Happy Birthday to Ornette Coleman!!

The year was 1959, and Coleman made two landmark albums of “Free Jazz” that was to change the way we look and think about jazz today. Tomorrow Is The Question a “pianoless” quartet album on the Contemporary label with an incredible rhythm section comprised of Shelly Manne, Percy Heath, and Red Mitchell, sharing bass duties and Don Cherry on Trumpet. WOW!!

The Shape Of Jazz To Come was a Atlantic label album of the same year. These two albums push the envelope of jazz to the limit. His quartet had a lengthy engagement at NewYorks “Five Spot” which was controversial to say the least, but drew much attention. His music is genus and a gift to jazz, discover and enjoy.

Free Jazz

Ornette Coleman pioneer of the “Free Jazz” movement in the 50’s. The Shape Of Jazz To Come 1959 Atlantic release was very influential and changed the jazz community. Many years earlier another jazz man was performing “Free Jazz” before it was known as such. Forgotten and only recently attributed as one of the first to play this style of Jazz… Cecil Taylor and his 1956 Blue Note album was pushing the limits of Jazz. These are two great example’s of this exciting style of Jazz.

Cecil Taylor Discography , Ornette Coleman Discography

Ornette Coleman

Cecil Taylor