Tomorrow Is the Question!
Ornette Coleman · 1959
42 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A vibrant exploration of free jazz, where unconventional melodies intertwine with rhythmic freedom and emotive improvisation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tomorrow Is the Question! Start here — This title track exemplifies Coleman's innovative approach to melody, featuring a playful yet complex interplay between the instruments that sets the tone for the entire album.
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Compassion — With its soulful melodies and intricate rhythms, this track highlights Coleman's capacity for emotional expression through improvisation, making it a centerpiece of the album.
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Rejoicing — This track showcases a dynamic exchange between the saxophone and rhythm section, illustrating Coleman's groundbreaking methods that redefine jazz interaction.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases innovative compositions and distinct improvisational styles that define its sound.
What we noticed
- Several tracks include abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Giggin’', which transitions from a brisk pace to a slower, more contemplative section.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- fluid improvisations that surprise
- wave-like pacing with emotional depth
- dynamic exploration of themes
- thought-provoking late-night listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer predictable song structures
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Coleman's innovative approach and solidifies his role in free jazz.
- Career context
- Released in 1959, Tomorrow Is the Question! marked Ornette Coleman's first album after his controversial breakthrough with The Shape of Jazz to Come. At this point in his career, Coleman was solidifying his reputation as a leading innovator in jazz, pushing boundaries with his approach to harmony and rhythm. This album serves as a transitional phase that deepens his artistic vision while maintaining the avant-garde spirit of his previous work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Albert Ayler· John Coltrane· Cecil Taylor
Tracklist
- 1 Tomorrow Is the Question! Start here 3:13
- 2 Tears Inside 5:04
- 3 Mind and Time 3:11
- 4 Compassion 4:39
- 5 Giggin’ 3:22
- 6 Rejoicing 4:03
- 7 Lorraine 5:59
- 8 Turnaround 7:58
- 9 Endless 5:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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