The Shape of Jazz To Come

Ornette Coleman's "The Shape of Jazz To Come," released in 1959, is a groundbreaking album that redefined the landscape of jazz. As Ornette Coleman's third album and his debut on Atlantic Records, it marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of avant-garde jazz. Recorded in a single day on May 22, 1959, at Radio Recorders in Los Angeles, this album features the innovative quartet of Ornette Coleman on alto saxophone, Don Cherry on pocket trumpet, Percy Heath on bass, and Shelly Manne on drums. The six tracks, including "Lonely Woman" and "Peace," are characterized by their lack of traditional chord structures, showcasing Coleman's revolutionary approach to jazz composition and improvisation. This album, released just months after Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue," is celebrated for its profound impact on the genre, steering jazz into uncharted territories and solidifying Ornette Coleman's status as a visionary in the world of music.