Ornette Coleman

It would not be an exaggeration to claim that Ornette Coleman‘s collaboration with Atlantic Records changed the jazz world for ever. On "Ornette On Tenor", his sixth LP for the label (not counting outtakes compilations), he switches to tenor saxophone, but the great enrichment of this record is the participation of Jimmy Garrison on double bass. Compared to his previous recording "Ornette!" (with Scott LaFaro on the bass), these recordings are earthier, darker. Garrison integrates seamlessly into Coleman‘s sound world. And he accompanies Coleman‘s tenor saxophone to perfection. He appears to have a lot of fun with his instrument, which he played previously in rhythm and blues combos. His musical lines breathe precisely this atmosphere, and sometimes one might believe one is listening to a “free“ Coleman Hawkins.

Ever since his instrument was damaged in an assault, Coleman played relatively little on his tenor sax, but he never lost his love for the lyrical, highly expressive and pleasing tone. This might indicate a musically accessible session, but that is not the case. Rathermore, it is adventurous, since there are no memorable themes to return to. All four musicians are accompanists, all four are soloists, musical lines of various importance interact, overlap and support one another continuously. It makes one think of a ample walk through an ever-changing (and yet consistant) landscape. The revolution continues.