I thought today I'd briefly discuss one of the greatest musicians in jazz history, (at least in my opinion) Ornette Coleman (1930 - ). Sadly, not too many people even know his name, but he was at the forefront of Bop jazz revolution of the late 1950s, along with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. He began playing the saxophone at age 14, and his freeform style of jazz soon garnered him serious attention from the music community. His acme was around the late 1950s, and culminated in his finest work, the album "The Shape of Jazz To Come," released in 1960; if you haven't heard it, listen to it, you won't regret it. So endeth Jason's music lesson, but I sincerely hope you give Mr. Coleman a listen. See you all in class.
posted by Leader of the Argonauts | 11:46 p.m.
4 Comments:
I have heard a little bit of Ornette Coleman. I also quite enjoy Lee Morgan and Dexter Gordon. Same era of bop. By the way, nice to see someone else calling it bop - by its "proper" name. ;)
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
It's a sad fact of human culture that those who are most talented often go under-recognised, perhaps in their own time, or in the one directly following it.
While I wouldn't count myself as an expert in jazz history by any means, this sort of disregard for what isn't immediately commercial or for what may threaten homogeny is common to all forms of art. What's easiest to consume is rarely the most edifying. Aren't you glad Magnum P.I. is available on DVD now?
Mr. Clark, you have such excellent taste...perhaps we'll meet someday. ;)
Jason, nice to know some talented people in the world. I didn't touch Jazz (or blue) a lot, and only a few songs I know are "what a wonderful world" by Amerstrong, and "you raise me up" by Groban, and etc. Perhaps it is because these pieces touch mr at that time...
Post a Comment
<< Home