Ornette Coleman

United States

"Coleman’s music is characterized by its unpredictable phrasing and daring dissonance, creating tension that gives way to spontaneous communal exploration."

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Change of the Century

1960

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Career Arc

Ornette Coleman's discography from 1958 to 2014

1958 1986 2014

Something Else!!!! (1958) The Shape of Jazz to Come (1959) Tomorrow Is the Question! (1959) Change of the Century (1960) Free Jazz: A Collective I... (1961) This Is Our Music (1961) Ornette! (1962) Ornette on Tenor (1962) At the Golden Circle Stoc... (1965) Town Hall, 1962 (1965) Chappaqua Suite (1965) The Empty Foxhole (1966) An Evening with Ornette C... (1967) The Music Of Ornette Cole... (1967) Love Call (1968) New York Is Now! (1968) Ornette at 12 (1969) The Art of the Improviser... (1970) Twins (1971) Skies of America (1972)

Ornette Coleman revolutionized the jazz landscape, shattering conventional approaches to melody, harmony, and structure.

Ornette Coleman revolutionized the jazz landscape, shattering conventional approaches to melody, harmony, and structure. By introducing the concept of "free jazz," he opened up a realm of possibility for improvisation that emphasized expression over adherence to traditional forms, encouraging listeners and musicians alike to embrace spontaneity and emotional honesty in their musical interactions. Coleman's innovative approach involved dismantling the familiar chord changes that had long governed jazz, instead opting for an open framework that allowed musicians to explore and respond to one another in real-time. His use of unconventional scales and a distinctive sound on the alto saxophone created a sonic space where freedom thrived, pushing peers to reconsider their own musical boundaries and fostering a new generation of improvisers who prioritize individual voice alongside collective synergy. His songwriting often touches on themes of social justice, personal struggle, and human connection, weaving narratives that resonate with raw emotion. Coleman’s tone ranges from playful to confrontational, crafting stories through impressionistic imagery rather than linear narratives. This duality invites listeners into a complex emotional landscape where sincerity coexists with irony, challenging them to engage deeply with the music.

Full discography

Ornette Coleman's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

41 releases • 41 albums • 1958–2014

Type:

Albums ()

New Vocabulary

2014

Sound Grammar

2006

Sound Museum: Hidden Man

1996

Sound Museum: Three Women

1996

Tone Dialing

1995

Beauty Is a Rare Thing

1993

Virgin Beauty

1988

In All Languages

1987

Song X

1986

Of Human Feelings

1982

Broken Shadows

1982

Body Meta

1978

Soapsuds, Soapsuds

1977

Dancing in Your Head

1977

To Whom Who Keeps a Record

1975

Skies of America

1972

Science Fiction

1972

Friends and Neighbors: Live at Prince Street

1972

Twins

1971

The Art of the Improvisers

1970

Opening the Caravan of Dreams

Prime Design/Time Design

Colors: Live from Leipzig

Crisis

Ornette at 12

1969

Love Call

1968

New York Is Now!

1968

An Evening with Ornette Coleman

1967

The Music Of Ornette Coleman: Forms And Sounds

1967

The Empty Foxhole

1966

At the Golden Circle Stockholm

1965

Town Hall, 1962

1965

Chappaqua Suite

1965

Ornette!

1962

Ornette on Tenor

1962

Free Jazz: A Collective Improvisation

1961

This Is Our Music

1961

Change of the Century

1960

The Shape of Jazz to Come

1959

Tomorrow Is the Question!

1959

Something Else!!!!

1958

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Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Something Else!!!! (1958)

The Shape of Jazz to... (1959)

Tomorrow Is the Ques... (1959)

Change of the Centur... (1960)

This Is Our Music (1961)

Free Jazz: A Collect... (1961)

Ornette! (1962)

Ornette on Tenor (1962)

At the Golden Circle... (1965)

Town Hall, 1962 (1965)

Chappaqua Suite (1965)

The Empty Foxhole (1966)

An Evening with Orne... (1967)

The Music Of Ornette Coleman: Forms And Sounds

The Music Of Ornette... (1967)

Love Call (1968)

New York Is Now! (1968)

Ornette at 12 (1969)

The Art of the Impro... (1970)

Twins (1971)

Science Fiction (1972)

Skies of America (1972)

Friends and Neighbors: Live at Prince Street

Friends and Neighbor... (1972)

To Whom Who Keeps a... (1975)

Soapsuds, Soapsuds (1977)

Dancing in Your Head (1977)

Body Meta (1978)

Of Human Feelings (1982)

Broken Shadows (1982)

Song X (1986)

In All Languages (1987)

Virgin Beauty (1988)

Beauty Is a Rare Thi... (1993)

Tone Dialing (1995)

Sound Museum: Hidden... (1996)

Sound Museum: Three... (1996)

Sound Grammar (2006)

New Vocabulary (2014)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ornette Coleman sound like?

Coleman’s music is characterized by its unpredictable phrasing and daring dissonance, creating tension that gives way to spontaneous communal exploration. Rooted in jazz. Start with The Shape of Jazz to Come.

What is the best Ornette Coleman album to start with?

The best album to start with is "The Shape of Jazz to Come" (1959). It's the most representative of what makes Ornette Coleman worth hearing.

Who is Ornette Coleman for?

If you're into jazz, Ornette Coleman is worth your time. Coleman’s music is characterized by its unpredictable phrasing and daring dissonance, creating tension that gives way to spontaneous communal exploration.

How many albums does Ornette Coleman have?

Ornette Coleman has 41 releases in their discography, including 41 albums.

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