This is a quite accessible Ornette record. It still is amazingly unique and full of quirky melodies and statements which makes this brand of jazz so special. I love the later line-up with Charlie Haden and Ed Blackwell but this constellation is brilliant as well, with Shelly Manne for example, bringing his elegant and lovely sound to the proceedings. Really love his playing and I think he thrives in this environment.
Despite my love for Ornette’s work I only have a couple of other titles in the collection to date, and they are “This is Our Music” and “Ornette on Tenor” both on Atlantic, so this is album is a welcome addition the collection. I purchased it some months back from a great friend in the vinyl community. The copy is like new, both vinyl and cover. Like it came from a 1950’s record store straight onto my shelf. It even came with a mint Contemporary Records business reply card,. Very cool.
As my approach to my collecting has changed a little I’m getting a bit more records into the collection than before, more regularly, which is great. As opposed to before, when I saved up for months to get my hands on an original 1500 series Blue Note for example. I have focused on trying to secure great titles in a much more healthy price range. And there are some outstanding albums which can be had for a fraction of what an original Blue Note costs, and this Ornette title is a great example.
If you are unfamiliar or new to Ornette’s music I think this is a good album to start with. Great stuff.
Cheers!