What makes Complete Communion by Don Cherry notable?

Complete Communion has been recognized for its innovative approach to free jazz, influencing a generation of musicians seeking to expand the genre's boundaries. The album was met with critical acclaim and is often cited as a significant work in the development of avant-garde jazz during the 1960s. Released in 1966, Complete Communion marked Don Cherry's first album as a bandleader after his tenure with Ornette Coleman's group. This album signified a crucial step in Cherry's artistic evolution as he sought to blend diverse musical influences from around the world into his sound.

How many songs are on Complete Communion?

Complete Communion has 2 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Released 60 years ago

Complete Communion

Don Cherry · 1966

40 min · 2 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of free jazz that melds complex improvisation with melodic structures, evoking spiritual and cultural themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Complete Communion: Complete Communion / And Now / Golden Heart / Remembrance — This title track showcases Cherry's unique ability to intertwine intricate improvisational dialogues with structured melodies, setting the tone for the entire album.
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Elephantasy: Elephantasy / Our Feelings / Bismallah / Wind, Sand and Stars — This suite highlights Cherry's explorative spirit, blending Eastern musical elements with Western jazz traditions, reflecting his global musical vision.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositional ideas within a cohesive yet exploratory framework, marking a significant moment in free jazz.

What we noticed

The album features two lengthy tracks that each explore multiple themes and motifs, with sections of improvisation interspersed throughout.
The first track transitions through distinct segments, moving from structured melodies to free-form improvisation without clear breaks.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Complete Communion: Complete Communion / And Now / Golden Heart / Remembrance

The arrangement shifts from a chaotic energy to serene harmonies, reflecting a journey through contrasting emotional landscapes.

This transition not only showcases Cherry’s compositional skill but also embodies the essence of free jazz as it navigates between dissonance and harmony.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Complete Communion: Complete Communion / And Now / Golden Heart / Remembrance 20:38
2 Elephantasy: Elephantasy / Our Feelings / Bismallah / Wind, Sand and Stars 19:36

What to play next

Listen next

Togetherness

1966

Go back to

Symphony for Improvisers

1966

Full Don Cherry discography Artists like Don Cherry

free jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata