Top

music

Stories

 

Hear This

Jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman's still as fresh, original, and relevant as ever.

More than 40 years ago, saxophonist Ornette Coleman shook up the jazz world with a bold new improv method he called harmolodics. Essentially, his concept erased the bounds of a composition's melodic trajectory by substituting in-the-moment fluidity for the usual adherence to chord changes. The approach encouraged soloists and accompanists to explore rare combinations of melody, rhythm, harmony, and timbre. Beyond extending the possibilities of improvisation to unheard-of heights, Coleman's harmolodics theory helped spawn the avant-garde innovations of the '60s and early '70s, many of which are still being investigated today.

While controversy dogged him and mainstream success proved elusive, Coleman pushed forward undeterred, developing his vision on numerous recordings and in concert. In the past decade, however, the 72-year-old has finally received props, netting a MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant and having a major showcase of his work at Lincoln Center. But recently, Coleman's output has waned -- his last album was 1997's incandescent Colors -- leading some critics to wonder if he's still relevant.

Of course, the answer is an unequivocal yes. Though too few and far between, Coleman's contemporary performances -- free yet focused, soaring without screaming, bent but never broken, stunningly beautiful -- sound as fresh and original as in the past. But beyond the music, Coleman stands as a beacon for those who believe that jazz today can be something else tomorrow.

 
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
 

Concert Calendar

  • June
  • Tue
    18
  • Wed
    19
  • Thu
    20
  • Fri
    21
  • Sat
    22
  • Sun
    23
  • Mon
    24
San Francisco Event Tickets
©2013 SF Weekly, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places San Francisco / Bay Area

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city