Change of the Century cover

Change of the Century

Released

Recorded in October 1959 and released in May 1960, alto saxophonist Ornette Coleman’s second Atlantic release is one of his most immediately accessible albums. The opening “Ramblin’” is an uptempo country blues seemingly designed to bounce listeners out of their seats, and every other track save the aptly titled “Free” has a head-spinning but instantly memorable melody, essayed and then abandoned by Coleman and trumpeter Don Cherry, and rides a hard-swinging rhythm courtesy of bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Billy Higgins.

Phil Freeman

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