Ornette with Two Bassists: His Best in Years

Originally posted on March 26, 2008

Ornette Coleman has unquestionably been a primary creative force in new jazz beginning with his initial recordings in the late ‘50s. His last CD continues that journey in a way that those who like the free thing will find thrilling. Sound Grammar was recorded live in Italy in 2005 (OK so I’m late getting to this).

It features Ornette with a quartet—two acoustic basses (one plucks, one bows) and Ornette’s son Denardo on drums. Denardo sounds better than ever and the two bassists really give the group a flair. Bassists don’t miss it! Ornette has refined his playing even further, it seems to me, and the mostly new compositions are fabulous. Order this one on Ornette’s website. File this review under “how did I miss this one?” or “better late than never.”