Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Track Listings
| 1. Lonely Woman |
| 2. Eventually |
| 3. Peace |
| 4. Focus On Sanity |
| 5. Congeniality |
| 6. Chronology |
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
On this highly influential 1959 album, Ornette Coleman's unique writing style and idiosyncratic solo language forever changed the jazz landscape. On classics such as "Lonely Woman", "Congeniality", and "Focus on Sanity", Coleman used the tunes' moods and melodic contours, rather than their chords, as a basis for his improvisations. In so doing, he opened up jazz soloing immensely and ushered in new freedoms--both individually and collectively. Lest these innovations sound too dry or abstract, it must be noted that both Coleman and trumpeter Don Cherry play with a deep-felt emotion and joy that is as infectious today as it was then. This is truly an essential jazz recording, marking the end of one era, providing the blueprint for the next. --Wally Shoup
Product Description
CD
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Lewis Graham
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
A recent BBC series about jazz described the year this album was released (along with those by Dave Brubeck, Charles Mingus and Miles Davies) as the year that changed jazz and this album as one of the key influences and the start of free jazz. For many listeners this could be a major turn-off - but don't be, this is fabulous listening.
Coleman has an original approach to jazz that focusses on not on chords but individual expression. The opening moments of the first track, Lonely Woman, has Coleman and Cherry playing together without chords but it all merges to be exciting, emotional playing. The remaining tracks build on this and as a piece this creates a memorable album.
like many jazz enthusiasts, I have lost whole evenings to free jazz and wondered why I'd bothered. This album shows what can be done in the hands of a master.
Coleman has an original approach to jazz that focusses on not on chords but individual expression. The opening moments of the first track, Lonely Woman, has Coleman and Cherry playing together without chords but it all merges to be exciting, emotional playing. The remaining tracks build on this and as a piece this creates a memorable album.
like many jazz enthusiasts, I have lost whole evenings to free jazz and wondered why I'd bothered. This album shows what can be done in the hands of a master.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
In my opinion this is the finest of Ornette's albums from the Altantic era, his debut for the label, and an album imbued with a drive and momentum all its own. In many ways, aside from it being one of the great "free" jazz records, I often consider it to be one of my favourite "blues" albums of all time as well. From the affecting "Lonely Woman", to the terrific "Eventually", Ornette's musical aesthetic is perfectly summed up with this recording. Of course, there's many more fine albums to get by this great musician, but for me this one remains the one I return to time and again, twenty years on. The group is outstanding, and as an example of improvised music it's right up there. You have to "go with" Ornette Coleman as a listener, but his musical message is such a powerful and engaging one that to "expect the unexpected" soon becomes a joy.
28 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By degrant
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Audio CD
This is the ideal place to start for anyone interested in Coleman and a recording to rank along Kind of Blue and A Love Supreme. Coleman's departure ("abandonment" is too prejudicial a word) from the chord-based blues and jazz tradition gave him a reputation for difficulty before his forays into free jazz but, as I once read, the startling thing about "The Shape of Jazz to Come" is how melodic and rhythmic is it. "Lonely Woman", stately, mournful and passionate, is one of the finest openings to an album ever but the quality does not abate. The interplay between Coleman and Don Cherry on cornet is spellbinding and the Haden-Higgins bass and drums section is integral in propelling the music with a frequent spring and swing (witness Haden's bassline, including the bowed opening, on the centrepiece "Peace").
This is not a recording to fear or from which to shy. It is groundbreaking but accessible. I had the pleasure to see Coleman live a few years ago on his 75th birthday. His engaged and even ferocious playing belied his frailty and disarming modesty and compelled me to return to his blueprint literally of the shape of jazz to come. To paraphrase someone, this recording is, and is intended to be, seminal.
This is not a recording to fear or from which to shy. It is groundbreaking but accessible. I had the pleasure to see Coleman live a few years ago on his 75th birthday. His engaged and even ferocious playing belied his frailty and disarming modesty and compelled me to return to his blueprint literally of the shape of jazz to come. To paraphrase someone, this recording is, and is intended to be, seminal.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 43 reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Utterly wonderful
As stated in another review I am needing to listen to and expand on my jazz collection. Heard about this via BBC special on the Jazz albums that changed the shape of jazz to come... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Jane
5.0 out of 5 stars
A classic
This album was reviewed on a BBC program and seemed to be worth a listen so I purchased it . It is a work of genius.
Published 2 months ago by JB
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not quite in shape for me.
Ornette Coleman is mostly just beyond my taste in Jazz. (John Coltrane is mostly within my taste satisfaction range). Read more
Published 13 months ago by Tysonbob
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Jazz Albums
Recent TV programme was so right to include this as one of the five most influential jazz albums of all time. But not in my collection, so bought from Amazon quickly!. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Pilgrim
5.0 out of 5 stars
Successful gift
I bought this CD as a gift for a jazz-loving family member. I am pleased to report that said jazz-loving family member was delighted with it.
Published 14 months ago by Jan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mr Congeniality
Free jazz this isn`t. Ornette was later to release a notorious record bluntly entitled Free Jazz, but he was as much a composer as an improviser, exemplified to the full on this... Read more
Published 19 months ago by GlynLuke
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's Free jazz, But Don't be Scared
A recent BBC series about jazz described the year this album was released (along with those by Dave Brubeck, Charles Mingus and Miles Davies) as the year that changed jazz and this... Read more
Published on 24 Aug 2010 by Lewis Graham
5.0 out of 5 stars
A new world of jazz...
CD1: The Shape of Jazz to Come, Studio album by Ornette Coleman, Recorded May 22, 1959, United States, Running time approx 38 minutes. Read more
Published on 13 Jun 2010 by C. FULLER
4.0 out of 5 stars
New to me
It's a new type of jazz for me being used to swing and be-bop but it's growing on me. The title is very apt. Read more
Published on 23 April 2010 by Ian Mason
3.0 out of 5 stars
The shape of jazz to come
I bought this for my son who plays tenor sax. He loves ska but has more secently been attracted to jazz, which i know nothing about. It's a bit um unstructured for my taste. . .
Published on 4 Jan 2010 by L. Tozeland
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
|
|
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
