Happy 80th to Ornette! WKCR is rolling through the Coleman canon today. Wish he’d perform and record a bit more often; tomorrow is the question. Just rolled through a couple transcriptions of my ancient interviews with him, and this quote leaped out. He’s speaking of his work in New York circa ’67.
“I don’t think people thought I knew how to read or write music because of the way I improvised, which got tagged as free jazz. I’m not against that title, but it doesn’t tell anyone anything because the word “free” doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. “
Here’s an insightful Francis Davis essay on OC. And if you want to read a sweet synopsis of the bandleader’s initial impact, check the OC chapter of Fred Kaplan’s 1959: The Year Everything Changed. This is Michael Jarrett speaking with Ornette. Here he is chatting with Rhapsody.
I, Jukebox: My 15 Favorite Ornette pieces (today).
“Blues Connotation” – This Is Our Music
“Just For You” – The Art of the Improvisers
“Mob Job” – Song X
“Law Years” – Science Fiction
“Chippie” – Something Else!!!
“Air Ship” – Of Human Feelings
“European Echoes” – Live at the Golden Circle, Vol I
“Check Out Time” – Love Call
“Kathelin Gray” – Song X
“Monk And the Nun” – Twins
“Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” – Soapsuds, Soapsuds
“Feet Music” – In All Languages
“Chanting” – Virgin Beauty
“Macho Woman” – Body Meta
“T & T” – Ornette!
Lament For A Straight Line 
Jim: You got it, you got it, you got it!
RI Rob