Here We Go!

I am a Professor of English at a small university in Oklahoma. I had been looking for a way to share some observations I had about books, music (especially jazz), baseball, and various other things. So, while I'm here doing many things online as a result of the pandemic, this seemed a good time to try this.

While, I'd like to focus on newer music, Ornette Coleman's ideas loom large over a host of new instrumentalists so I think it's apropos to recommend this live set from 1965. It's hard to believe these days that the absence of a piano in small group jazz seemed so unusual. By ditching the keys, Coleman allows bass and drums (Charles Moffett in this set) a much larger role in creating the sound. "Faces and Places" opens the album and, for 12 minutes, Coleman's excitement is almost palpable. He shouts his appreciation during the times his saxophone is silent. "European Echoes" is a nice little jazz waltz while "Dee Dee" allows the trio a chance to swing with David Izenzon's bass putting down a groove that reminds one of be-bop ensembles such as the ones headed by Max Roach and Sonny Rollins . All the while, the playing is furiously creative and experimental, in the best sense of the word. I recommend this. I will undoubtedly write more about Coleman going foreward.