Organic Music Society cover

Organic Music Society

Don Cherry · 1972

80 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of global rhythms and free jazz improvisation, creating a transcendent soundscape that invites communal exploration.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Creator Has a Master Plan — This track epitomizes the album's ethos by merging spiritual jazz with global influences, featuring rich instrumentation and an uplifting message.
  • →
    North Brazilian Ceremonial Hymn — It introduces listeners to the album's diverse cultural tapestry through its ceremonial rhythms and intricate melodic patterns.
  • →
    Relativity Suite, Part I — This piece highlights Cherry's improvisational prowess, allowing space for both structured composition and spontaneous creativity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of free jazz and world music creates a unique sound that stands out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks are structured as extended improvisations, allowing musicians to explore themes rather than adhering to traditional song forms.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • spiritual explorations through improvisation
  • long-form pieces inviting deep listening
  • vibrant soundscapes for reflection
  • eclectic rhythms for focused sessions
  • tranquil moments for introspective journeys

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1972, Organic Music Society marked a pivotal moment for Don Cherry as he began to fully embrace world music influences after his earlier work in hard bop and avant-garde jazz. This album followed his acclaimed collaboration with the Ornette Coleman group and showcased Cherry's evolution towards a more inclusive musical language.
Stylistic neighbors
Ornette Coleman· Pharoah Sanders· Albert Ayler

Tracklist

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

  • 1 North Brazilian Ceremonial Hymn 12:25
  • 2 Elixir 6:08
  • 3 Manusha Raga Kamboji 2:19
  • 4 Relativity Suite, Part I 6:52
  • 5 Relativity Suite, Part II 12:00
  • 6 Terry’s Tune (version one) 1:56
  • 7 Hope 10:08
  • 8 The Creator Has a Master Plan 6:28
  • 9 Sidhartha 1:59
  • 10 Utopia & Visions 6:33
  • 11 Bra Joe From Kilimanjaro 2:33
  • 12 Terry’s Tune (version two) 5:10
  • 13 Resa 5:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata