What makes To Whom Who Keeps a Record by Ornette Coleman notable?

This album is notable for its exploration of thematic coherence within the free jazz genre, which had been largely absent from earlier works. Its critical reception highlighted Coleman's ability to balance experimentalism with lyrical expression, making it a pivotal point in his discography. The album has influenced subsequent generations of jazz musicians seeking to blend structure with spontaneity. By 1975, Ornette Coleman was an established figure in jazz, having pioneered the free jazz movement since the late 1950s. 'To Whom Who Keeps a Record' follows his influential album 'Science Fiction' (1971) and reflects his continued evolution in blending avant-garde improvisation with accessible melodies. This album is significant as it showcases Coleman's distinctive approach to composition and improvisation during a period of artistic maturation.

Who is To Whom Who Keeps a Record for?

To Whom Who Keeps a Record works well if you're into steady unfolding of improvisational themes, introspective harmonies for quiet moments and thoughtful exploration of melodic depth.

How many songs are on To Whom Who Keeps a Record?

To Whom Who Keeps a Record has 7 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

To Whom Who Keeps a Record

Ornette Coleman · 1975

40 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A complex tapestry of free jazz woven with melodic threads and introspective harmonies, exploring the depths of improvisation.

Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music

YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Why this album works

This album is notable for its exploration of thematic coherence within the free jazz genre, which had been largely absent from earlier works. Its critical reception highlighted Coleman's ability to balance experimentalism with lyrical expression, making it a pivotal point in his discography. The album has influenced subsequent generations of jazz musicians seeking to blend structure with spontaneity.

Best for: steady unfolding of improvisational themes introspective harmonies for quiet moments thoughtful exploration of melodic depth
Context: By 1975, Ornette Coleman was an established figure in jazz, having pioneered the free jazz movement since the late 1950s. 'To Whom Who Keeps a Record' follows his influential album 'Science Fiction' (1971) and reflects his continued evolution in blending avant-garde improvisation with accessible melodies. This album is significant as it showcases Coleman's distinctive approach to composition and improvisation during a period of artistic maturation.
Stylistic neighbors: Diana Ross· Barbra Streisand· Bob Dylan· Ella Fitzgerald· Dave Brubeck· Andy Williams· Tony Bennett· Aretha Franklin

Tracklist

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

1 Music Always Standout 5:31
2 Brings Goodness Standout 6:39
3 To Us 4:36
4 All 4:32
5 P.S. Unless One Has (Blues Connotation No. 2) Standout 5:55
6 Some Other 7:23
7 Motive for Its Use 5:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata

What to play next

Listen next

Soapsuds, Soapsuds

1977

Go back to

Science Fiction

1972

Full Ornette Coleman discography Artists like Ornette Coleman

jazz