12 Comments

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!

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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.

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Interesting tale...and good writing too. Thanks!

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Thanks, friend!

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Lewis, thanks so much for sharing these wonderful memories. What an exciting chapter in your life ! a

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Yes, and there's a lot more to the story of me and Ornette. THANK YOU JOSH

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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

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Hmm--that's not the one I tried--it looks promising. THANK YOU KRISTIAN

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This is fascinating. Thanks for sharing these recollections.

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Thanks much, friend!

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I liked your solo! You let go even with Ornette standing there!

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Ha ha—thank you!

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