a nonprofit presenter of jazz artistic and education programs
the essence of expression
Ornette Coleman
song sample
Ornette Coleman Turnaround
artist personnel
ornette coleman alto saxophone, violin and trumpet al macDowell electric bass anthony falanga acoustic bass denardo coleman drums
Ornette Coleman Pre-Concert Talk on the music of Ornette Coleman sunday, november 8, 8PM Davies Symphony Hall
Non-Members: $25| $45| $65| $85 Premium seat map buy tickets
Members: $19| $34| $49| $64 Premium seat map buy tickets

Fifty years after he exploded on the New York jazz scene, free jazz revolutionary Ornette Coleman has lost none of his power as a transformational figure, though his roots in gutbucket Texas blues and bebop are more apparent than ever. The alto sax iconoclast (who also plays trumpet and violin) couples one of the most searingly beautiful sounds in jazz with a singing melodic sensibility expressed in long, careening lines. Always looking for the freshest form of expression, Coleman often arrives at concert halls with a sheaf of new compositions that exemplify the freedom and discipline required by his famously knotty harmolodic concept. In 2007, the much-lauded Coleman added a Grammy® Award for Lifetime Achievement to a shelf of accolades that includes a Pulitzer Prize (for his astounding 2006 live album Sound Grammar), a MacArthur Genius Award and induction into the NEA Jazz Masters. SFJAZZ continues a deep, enduring tradition of presenting Coleman, who is joined on this date by his remarkable quartet, featuring two bassists and his son Denardo on drums.

“One of the principal icons of post-bebop jazz” los angeles times “Ornette Coleman’s quartet deals in moment-to-moment magic.” JazzTimes