In the previous essay (see the Index), I told you about the first time I met Ornette Coleman, when I was a student at the University of Rochester in the fall of 1970. Many years later, in early April, 1985, I received a phone call from a woman who was an administrator at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. I was living in a house about six miles from there in Belmont, Massachusetts with my first wife Gail. I was teaching jazz history courses and directing the jazz and classical bands at Tufts University, and had completed my Ph.D. at Brandeis in May 1983. While at Brandeis, I had founded their jazz big band in the fall of 1979. But within a few years, I had been promoted to a full-time position at Tufts and I could no longer direct the Brandeis band as well, so I gave that up in May 1984. (I was the first jazz teacher at both Tufts and Brandeis, and both big bands are still thriving.)
Thank you for such an alluring anecdote for me to read in lieu of the Charleston City Paper, which I had already read, and left something to be desired. What makes a whole step the same as a perfect fifth, and a third the same as a half step? I didn’t see Ornette’s answer in the passage, so im dying to know what he had in mind. It seems to be somewhat suggestive of the lydian chromatic concept, but I would appreciate an elaboration on it. I don’t know if I will receive a notification in my inbox incase you reply, but curiosity might bring me to this page the next time it crosses my mind. If you feel so inclined you can reply to me directly to ensure delivery. That would be doubly appreciated!
Ornette was not systematic like George Russell and his Lydian Theory.
He worked more by metaphors and poetic statements.
He never explained these kinds of things and it would be wrong to think that he had a precise "music theory" explanation for them.
But I knew members of his bands, and they told me that the way i justified his statements in my mind, as explained in the essay, is what he probably meant, as far as they understood it.
THANKS AGAIN!
P.S. I did try one of AI sites and the results were very good for the music but not for Ornette's talking--which is my main concern.
Thank you for sharing these stories. As always, your writing is excellent and the inclusion of the audio clips is great, regardless of the audio quality. Related to Gabriel’s comment and your reply, the following app might help remove the background and tape machine noise so that you can isolate Ornette’s voice (my apologies in advance if you already tried this app): https://www.lalal.ai
Thank you for such an alluring anecdote for me to read in lieu of the Charleston City Paper, which I had already read, and left something to be desired. What makes a whole step the same as a perfect fifth, and a third the same as a half step? I didn’t see Ornette’s answer in the passage, so im dying to know what he had in mind. It seems to be somewhat suggestive of the lydian chromatic concept, but I would appreciate an elaboration on it. I don’t know if I will receive a notification in my inbox incase you reply, but curiosity might bring me to this page the next time it crosses my mind. If you feel so inclined you can reply to me directly to ensure delivery. That would be doubly appreciated!
Gabriel.en.ortiz@gmail.com
Many thanks,
Gabriel OL
Edit: I would suggest using AI to enhance the audio. A quick google with the right keywords should do the trick!
Hi Gabriel,
Thanks for subscribing to my essays.
Ornette was not systematic like George Russell and his Lydian Theory.
He worked more by metaphors and poetic statements.
He never explained these kinds of things and it would be wrong to think that he had a precise "music theory" explanation for them.
But I knew members of his bands, and they told me that the way i justified his statements in my mind, as explained in the essay, is what he probably meant, as far as they understood it.
THANKS AGAIN!
P.S. I did try one of AI sites and the results were very good for the music but not for Ornette's talking--which is my main concern.
Interesting tale...and good writing too. Thanks!
Thanks, friend!
Lewis, thanks so much for sharing these wonderful memories. What an exciting chapter in your life ! a
Yes, and there's a lot more to the story of me and Ornette. THANK YOU JOSH
Thank you for sharing these stories. As always, your writing is excellent and the inclusion of the audio clips is great, regardless of the audio quality. Related to Gabriel’s comment and your reply, the following app might help remove the background and tape machine noise so that you can isolate Ornette’s voice (my apologies in advance if you already tried this app): https://www.lalal.ai
Hmm--that's not the one I tried--it looks promising. THANK YOU KRISTIAN
This is fascinating. Thanks for sharing these recollections.
Thanks much, friend!
I liked your solo! You let go even with Ornette standing there!
Ha ha—thank you!