Free Jazz, Harmolodics, and Ornette Coleman discusses Ornette Coleman's musical philosophy of "Harmolodics," an improvisational system deeply inspired by the Civil Rights Movement. Falling under the guise of "free jazz," Harmolodics can be difficult to understand, even for seasoned musicians and musicologists. Yet this book offers a clear and thorough approach to these complex methods, outlining Coleman's position as the developer of a logical-and historically significant-system of jazz improvisation.

Included here are detailed musical analyses of improvisations, accompanied by full transcriptions. Intimate interviews between the author and Coleman explore the deeper issues at work in Harmolodics, issues of race, class, sex, and poverty. The principle of human equality quickly emerges as a central tenet of Coleman's life and music. Harmolodics is best understood when viewed in its essential form, both as a theory of improvisation and as an artistic expression of racial and human equality.

About the Author

Stephen Rush is a Professor of Music at the University of Michigan.

Reviews

"Dr. Rush's thorough investigation of Ornette's theories and performances ... supports the idea that innovation is the logical extension of a tradition, not a radical departure from it. The parallels to the music of Mr. Coleman's youth and the historical events surrounding Black Americans' fight for civil rights is also quite compelling."

-Branford Marsalis

"Free Jazz, Harmolodics, and Ornette Coleman is one of the most important books on Coleman's philosophy and music. An essential read for anyone who wants to dig deep."

-David Menestres, Burning Ambulance

Book Information
ISBN 9781138122949
Author Stephen Rush
Format Paperback
Page Count 302
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 590g