Comments for Coleman, Ornette, Free Jazz

A difficult yet classic album that comes more into focus on repeated listenings. Particularly worthwhile for contributions from the always-amazing Eric Dolphy and the late Don Cherry, as well as the entire rhythm section. Ornette is his usual self here, and if you don''t like his often shrill tones elsewhere this won''t be any easier to take, but if his complex sound fascinates you (as it does me) it''ll speak volumes here. Incidentally - the CD (newly remastered in early 1998) is presented as one long track (38 minutes or so) with a bonus "First Take." Earlier CD masters share the bonus track, but the sound seems slightly improved to my ears.

A classic album. Has sort of a carnival atmosphere. Chaotic as hell, but still coherent. My favorite Ornette album. Great players, too: Ornette on alto, Eric Dolphy on bass clarinet, Don Cherry on pocket trumpet, Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Scott LaFaro on bass, Charlie Haden on bass, Billy Higgins on drums, Ed Blackwell on drums. It swings. There`s a goofy sense of humor to the sound.