Tomorrow Is The Question! The New Music Of Ornette

Tomorrow Is The Question! The New Music Of Ornette- Album Overview

Released in 1959, "Tomorrow Is The Question! The New Music Of Ornette" is a seminal album that showcases the groundbreaking vision of jazz innovator Ornette Coleman. Produced by the legendary Don Cherry, this album marked a significant moment in the evolution of free jazz, pushing the boundaries of traditional harmony and structure. Recorded under the Atlantic Records label, the album featured Coleman's innovative quartet, which included not only Cherry on cornet but also bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Billy Higgins. This collaboration resulted in a sound that was both adventurous and deeply emotive, challenging existing norms in jazz.

"Tomorrow Is The Question!" consists of eight tracks, all penned by Coleman, with the standout pieces being “Lonely Woman” and “Chronology.” The album's title track encapsulates the essence of Coleman's approach to music: a blend of spontaneity and structural experimentation. The recording sessions took place in New York City, a hub for artistic innovation, where Coleman was at the forefront of the avant-garde movement. The album did not produce any mainstream singles but has instead served as a crucial touchstone for generations of musicians seeking to explore the realms of improvisation and expression.

The cultural significance of "Tomorrow Is The Question!" cannot be understated; it played a pivotal role in the acceptance and development of free jazz as a legitimate genre. Coleman’s work on this album challenged audiences to rethink their perceptions of jazz music and laid the groundwork for future artists to explore their own musical identities without the constraints of traditional forms.

Review

The sound of "Tomorrow Is The Question!" is characterized by its raw, emotive quality, marked by Coleman's unique approach to melody and rhythm. The album’s opening track, “Lonely Woman,” sets a haunting tone, with its plaintive melody and Cherry's expressive cornet lines creating a sense of longing and introspection. Through Coleman's use of "harmolodics," the musicians communicate in a language that transcends conventional chord progressions, creating a dynamic interplay that feels both chaotic and harmonious.

The artistic vision behind the album is clear: Coleman sought to liberate jazz from the conventions that had previously defined it. His compositions invite listeners to experience music as a fluid, ever-changing entity, rather than a series of fixed notes. The improvisational interplay between the musicians is nothing short of mesmerizing, demonstrating their deep understanding of one another's playing styles. The absence of piano or chordal instruments allows for an open canvas, where each musician can express themselves freely, contributing to a collective sound that is both innovative and deeply personal.

Highlights

• The innovative use of melody and rhythm, exemplified in tracks like “Lonely Woman.”
• The exceptional interplay among musicians, showcasing their improvisational skills.
• The album's cultural significance in the evolution of free jazz and its influence on future generations of musicians.

Weak points

• The unconventional structures may alienate listeners accustomed to traditional jazz forms.
• Some tracks may feel less cohesive compared to the more melodic pieces.
• The album's avant-garde approach might not appeal to all jazz enthusiasts.

Overall evaluation

"Tomorrow Is The Question! The New Music Of Ornette" stands as a monumental work in the world of jazz, representing a turning point in the genre's evolution. Ornette Coleman's fearless exploration of sound and form invites listeners to embrace a new understanding of music. This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in the foundations of modern jazz.