Music for a Polar Vortex

It’s cold. So damned cold it’s making headlines around the world. It got me thinking about winter-themed jazz and I think I found the album for this Polar Vortex (which sounds like the name of a 1970s jazz combo, maybe one featuring one of the Brecker brothers...).

one of my favourite album covers

Let’s take a look at the Ornette Coleman Trio’s “At the Golden Circle, Stockholm” volumes 1 & 2 (Blue Note, 1965). It was the cover that came to mind.

I’ll say that I know some of you won’t go for this. It might push too many boundaries for you, and that’s okay. No judgement from me. I’m fine to follow Ornette on this musical journey. I’m listening to “Faces and Places” right now. Yeah, this music cooks and will help warm you from the ears on down. Your feet will be tapping and blood will be flowing to your icy appendages.

The trio is unusual in a Sonny Rollins kind of way, Sax, bass, drums. No where to hide here. It takes a tight group to make it work and Ornette and company have what it takes to make this album cook.

The band:

Ornette Coleman-alto saxophone, violin, trumpet

David Izenzon-bass

Charles Moffett-drums

Like any great rhythm section, Izenzon and Moffett are so good that I’ll listen to the two of them on their own, like on the last half of the track “European Echoes.” They might not be known to you, but they are brilliant musicians and free jazz specialists who played with a who's who of that sub-genre. 

Aside from Ornette Coleman, David Izenson also recorded with Jaki Byard, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Steve Kuhn, Paul Motian, Yoko Ono, Archie Shepp and Sonny Rollins.

Charles Moffett recorded with Archie Shepp, Prince Lasha, Ahmed Abdullah and Joe McPhee.

If you really want to push things, you can listen to Ornette screech away at the violin on “Snowflakes and Sunshine.” I’m always up for a bit of adventure, but I admit I didn’t quite follow Ornette on that violinistic journey. He also pulls out the trumpet on that song and fares better.

The album is good, adventurous stuff and worth a listen if you need to expand your mind and concept of what jazz can be.

a trio pushing the limits

Another Bit of Shepp

Archie Shepp in and out of focus

Yesterday's post had me in an Archie Shepp frame of mind so I thought I'd share something a bit more adventurous than yesterday's groove. Have a listen to 'Lybia'. It's 20+ minutes of dynamite. Shepp has something special, though I admit he may not be to everyone's taste. I like to pull out tracks like this when people argue that they like jazz because it helps them relax. Not all jazz, baby! I say, and then turn this number up.

(and to avoid doing it tomorrow, here's 'Blase', another classic energized track.)

Archie Shepp And George Jackson

Great album, great cover

Now I don't want you to think I don't value our friendship, but if "Blues For Brother George Jackson" by Archie Shepp from his wonderful album Attica Blues (Impulse Records, 1972) doesn't make you want to move, then sorry, our friendship is done.

No pressure, but enjoy this one, okay? It's a great groove and I know you'll love it. It was my ringtone for awhile, but then you got offended that everytime you called I'd let it ring and ring...