I once heard Denardo, Ornette Coleman’s drummer son, say that his father made everybody feel like they were a close friend of his. So I suppose I was only one of many, but I certainly felt that closeness. I never imposed myself on Ornette—that's not my style—but I had many interactions with him over the years, and they were always positive. So this will be a long series of memories, and I hope you will enjoy it, because he was a lovely, brilliant, generous, and poetic person.
I arrived in Rochester 15 years too late and only discovered Ornette after I graduated and moved close to NYC. So the highlight of the two years I spent in Rochester was seeing the classic trio Keith Jarrett/Gary Peacock/Jack DeJohnette. My first OC perf was in the 90's...
I will look foward to reading these endearing stories about Ornette. Here, in Argentina we could only listen to his records. As for Denaro`s comment, there is this story about what happened when he came to play in Buenos Aires shortly before he died- He absentmindedly took a train to a distant place, where the police found him wandering around completely lost. Of course they had no idea of who he was. Eventualy, the people who were looking for him managed to track him down. When they arrived at the police station, they found him chatting away with the officers, drinking mate tea, and having a good time despite the language barrier.
Yes, in fact I have read a slightly different version of that story which I will share in a later installment. So I appreciate hearing this side of the story. THANK YOU
In the summer of 1960, while doing my military service, I brougt my record player and Ornette's record Change of the century to the barracks. I was the only jazz fan but my fellow recruits liked what they heard. Ornette at that place had to compete with a Kinston trio record, brought by somebody else. But the uncomplicated, almost nursery rhyme character of Ornette's compositions and solos caught everybody's attention, jazz lover or not. I later heard Ornette live several times at the Golden Circle in 1965 with fabulous David Izenzon. I contributed to some of the applause on those Blue Note recordings!
Gyllene Cirkeln in Stockholm sadly closed long back and Fasching which we visited in 2019 is not “just” jazz. I would love to be back in Stockholm for jazz.
Great story! One would think that the folksongs of the Kingston Trio would have been more popular. But Ornette won their ears! And that's amazing that you saw him at the Golden Circle. THANK YOU BO!
A splendid memory to share with your readers. The deadhead in me can't fail to mention that Prime Time opened for the Dead 30 years ago, Ornette jammed with them, and Denardo had Jerry Garcia play on one of his albums.
Absolutely! And as I'm sure you know, the Dead encouraged fans to tape their shows, and the one with Ornette is in several places online. For ex., here: https://youtu.be/6-ag92bO1j0?si=Gk5P-4hRzK8E1ZF-
In the time we were distributing Ornette’s Harmolodic recording label through Verve, I was blessed to experience his kindness, generosity, wisdom, and sly humor on numerous occasions. He never held his genius above those of us who were in awe of his intellect and artistry. He showed us the best of humanity. Thanks for these memories, and I’m looking forward to further recollections. Cheers!
I arrived in Rochester 15 years too late and only discovered Ornette after I graduated and moved close to NYC. So the highlight of the two years I spent in Rochester was seeing the classic trio Keith Jarrett/Gary Peacock/Jack DeJohnette. My first OC perf was in the 90's...
Great memories--were you at the U of R, or working in Rochester? THANKS Sandeep
Both at both schools :-)
Great!
I will look foward to reading these endearing stories about Ornette. Here, in Argentina we could only listen to his records. As for Denaro`s comment, there is this story about what happened when he came to play in Buenos Aires shortly before he died- He absentmindedly took a train to a distant place, where the police found him wandering around completely lost. Of course they had no idea of who he was. Eventualy, the people who were looking for him managed to track him down. When they arrived at the police station, they found him chatting away with the officers, drinking mate tea, and having a good time despite the language barrier.
Yes, in fact I have read a slightly different version of that story which I will share in a later installment. So I appreciate hearing this side of the story. THANK YOU
In the summer of 1960, while doing my military service, I brougt my record player and Ornette's record Change of the century to the barracks. I was the only jazz fan but my fellow recruits liked what they heard. Ornette at that place had to compete with a Kinston trio record, brought by somebody else. But the uncomplicated, almost nursery rhyme character of Ornette's compositions and solos caught everybody's attention, jazz lover or not. I later heard Ornette live several times at the Golden Circle in 1965 with fabulous David Izenzon. I contributed to some of the applause on those Blue Note recordings!
Gyllene Cirkeln in Stockholm sadly closed long back and Fasching which we visited in 2019 is not “just” jazz. I would love to be back in Stockholm for jazz.
Great story! One would think that the folksongs of the Kingston Trio would have been more popular. But Ornette won their ears! And that's amazing that you saw him at the Golden Circle. THANK YOU BO!
It's nice to know that he was a humble and approachable man.
He was truly a delightful person.
A splendid memory to share with your readers. The deadhead in me can't fail to mention that Prime Time opened for the Dead 30 years ago, Ornette jammed with them, and Denardo had Jerry Garcia play on one of his albums.
Absolutely! And as I'm sure you know, the Dead encouraged fans to tape their shows, and the one with Ornette is in several places online. For ex., here: https://youtu.be/6-ag92bO1j0?si=Gk5P-4hRzK8E1ZF-
And here: https://youtu.be/VRAlUJPv9io?si=rlfMduLL6CsddXkm
And at other links as well. THANKS DEAN!
In the time we were distributing Ornette’s Harmolodic recording label through Verve, I was blessed to experience his kindness, generosity, wisdom, and sly humor on numerous occasions. He never held his genius above those of us who were in awe of his intellect and artistry. He showed us the best of humanity. Thanks for these memories, and I’m looking forward to further recollections. Cheers!
Thank much Chuck and good to hear from you. Yes he was a gem of a person and that's great that you got to interact with him regularly! THANKS
Well, this was a real teaser! I hope you don't keep us hanging with what happened on your day with Ornette for too long.
Ha ha--no worries--I don't usually tell what my next essay will be, but I can tell you that will be my next one, and soon! THANKS GERARD
Well, this was a real teaser! I hope you don't keep us hanging with what happened on your day with Ornette for too long.