Enchanting Improvisation: Landmark Works and Popular Albums of Free Jazz
For example, works that attempted completely different styles or methods from existing classical music came to be called modern music, and there’s a genre called post-rock that developed approaches different from standard rock styles—there are many subgenres within any given genre.
Free jazz, true to the term, is a genre newly born within the umbrella of jazz, characterized by avant-garde methodologies and freaky, free-form improvisation.
This time, we’ve selected a representative album and some popular works that are labeled as free jazz.
It’s by no means music that will appeal to everyone, but if you’re interested, please take this opportunity to give it a try!
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[Enthralling Improvisations] Landmark Works and Popular Albums of Free Jazz (21–30)
The Forest And The ZooSteve Lacy
This is “The Forest And The Zoo,” an album by Steve Lacy, a jazz soprano saxophonist from New York State, USA.
It’s an early work by Steve Lacy, who is known as a master of free jazz.
The tracks are as follows: 1.
Forest 2.
Zoo
Hush little baby with ba ha badPatty Waters
Free jazz also produced outstanding vocalists.
Patty Waters was one of them, unfolding a shamanistic lyrical world and freaky vocals over free jazz.
This is a track from the classic “College Tour,” which featured musicians such as Giuseppi Logan.
Enchanting Improvisation: Representative Works and Popular Albums of Free Jazz (31–40)
Paul BleyPaul Bley
Here is “Ida Lupino” from jazz pianist Paul Bley’s album “Paul Bley.” Born in Montreal, Canada, Paul Bley is a renowned jazz pianist.
The tracks are as follows: 1.
Ida Lupino 2.
Start 3.
Closer 4.
Sideways in Mexico 5.
Batterie 6.
And Now the Queen 7.
Figfoot 8.
Crossroads 9.
Violin 10.
Cartoon
Grape SkinMichel Doneda
Even more renowned for breath-based performance than John Butcher is the French musician Michel Doneda.
There are numerous excellent recordings, including his performances with AMM’s Keith Rowe and his celebrated work with the percussionist Le Quan Ninh.
This is music close to the onkyo (reductionist) aesthetic.
Monoceros 3Evan Parker
When free jazz spread to the United Kingdom, it produced music that paid less heed to the specifically American cultural aspects of jazz and focused instead on its “free” nature.
Evan Parker, famous for special techniques such as circular breathing that allow him to play endlessly without pausing for breath, is also a British musician.
Live in Altena 1970John Surman
This is “Live in Altena 1970,” an album by the jazz saxophonist and clarinetist from Tavistock, England, the John Surman Trio.
The tracklist is as follows: A1.
Billy The Kid A2.
Tallness A3.
Dee Tune B1.
In Between B2.
Spikenard
Pray alwaysCharles Gayle
Charles Gayle is a saxophonist with a unique persona—living as a vagrant and performing in clown attire.
This track is from his acclaimed album Precious Soul, which features his sharp, Albert Ayler–direct lineage of saxophone playing.