Ornette Coleman – The Shape of Jazz to Come

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The Shape of Jazz to Come is a groundbreaking album by Ornette Coleman, released in November 1959 on Atlantic Records. It marked Coleman's debut on the label and featured his working quartet, including Don Cherry on cornet, Charlie Haden on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. The album is notable for its departure from traditional jazz structures, as it eschews chordal instruments like piano or guitar, focusing instead on improvisation and melody. This approach, which Coleman termed "harmolodic," emphasizes harmony, movement, and melody equally, creating a unique sound that defined the emerging free jazz movement. The album includes iconic tracks like "Lonely Woman," which has become a jazz standard. Its improvisational style, characterized by brief thematic statements followed by extended improvisations, was revolutionary for its time. The Shape of Jazz to Come has been recognized for its influence on jazz history, earning a place in the National Recording Registry and the Grammy Hall of Fame. It laid the groundwork for subsequent avant-garde and free jazz developments, influencing musicians like John Coltrane and Albert Ayler. The album's impact continues to be felt, making it a pivotal work in the evolution of jazz.