I just heard the sad news that pioneering jazz hero Ornette Coleman has died of cardiac arrest at age 85. The man left an astonishing legacy of progressive and experimental music that has influenced forward looking artists of all stripes for decades.
More important to me, he’s crafted some of the most innovative and profoundly affecting jazz albums I’ve ever heard. I’ve shared a few key moments from his epic discography below.
• • •
Science Fiction is easily my favorite album of his. Melodic, weird, soulful, and incendiary. This approaches territory even Miles Davis or Sun Ra would have been surprised by.
The Shape Of Jazz To Come is as important as its title implies. This album was the groundbreaking piece that vaulted him into the stratosphere of 20th century jazz.
Finally, here is his avant garde symphony, Skies Of America. It sounds like virtually nothing else out there and dances in a space somewhere between jazz, classical, and beyond.
I’m at work and don’t have time to say anything more. Suffice it to say that one of my heroes has died, but left behind an untouchable legacy. Rest in peace, Ornette.
Optimistic Underground 
That’s really sad news. A genuine pioneer who’s importance cannot be emphasized enough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So very true. I am going to make the best of this news and dive deeper into his oeuvre, especially the post 1980 works. Tone Dialing, from 2005 or so, is one of the few latter works I’ve heard.
LikeLike
cool! RIP Ornette, thank you for all you given us :)
My 3 faves would have to be Free Jazz which opened my mind as a musician to total freedom and the infinite possibilities of music, Dancing in your Head and Body Meta. Peace
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing! I honestly have never heard Body Meta, I don’t think. So, I’m going to find that one ASAP and give it a listen!
LikeLike