Ornette Coleman At the Golden Circle, Stockholm Sweden 1965: With Bassist David Izenzon & Drummer Charles Moffett

 In the early 60's Ornette Coleman revolutionized jazz with his piano-less quartet that featured Charlie Haden on bass, Don Cherry on trumpet, and Billy Higgins on drums.

This time in Stockholm a trio, and a new Label, Blue Note Records. After years with Atlantic Records, I always thought it odd Blue Note would sign Coleman at this time, when they seemed to be heading in a more commercial soul jazz direction.

It was right before The label was sold to Liberty Records, perhaps some hold overs were still left pulling for creative music?

Both volumes of  Golden Circle, with the one pictured being volume 1, both really are something worth hearing.

 It is also worth noting that the ride cymbal is incredibly in your face on the mix of these concerts. It did take me some time to get used to it. Most people who I have heard discuss At the Golden Circle consider Moffett's sound to be a high point.

Ornette also plays violin and trumpet, both instruments are played in a very primitive unpolished way, I could see some virtuoso musicians wondering exactly what is so hot about this music? The genius is in the simplicity of the music, the playful, almost child like quality of Coleman's simple melodies, with the standard quotes mixed in.

You can plainly hear how much fun Ornette is having, it really shows in his playing. Bassist David Izenzon is every bit as good a player a Charlie Haden to my ears too, bowing or finger picking.

Oh yeah, as for Izenzon, anyone who wears a cape must be cool, that's all I got to say about that.

Since I am not a theory expert and not myself a jazz musician, I don't get all hung up on all the technical jargon, I like the music pure and simple.

 I like free jazz, it is no doubt an acquired taste, but something about the "out of the box" styles and thinking some how jive with my simple yet imaginative mind. You won't be at a loss for imagination here, Ornette had it and then some in Stockholm this night.

Ornette would go on to record several albums for Blue Note: New York is now, Love Call, and The Empty Foxhole, the latter with his 10 year old son Denardo on drums.

 Is it possible these Blue Notes are underrated or overlooked? I think so, possibly the Blue Notes are not quite as revolutionary, but I will say that the music is full of surprises, especially for those who have an open mind to those surprises.