Concord Music Group

Music Review: Ornette Coleman - Something Else!!!!

During the 1960s he became a leading proponent of the free jazz movement, which left traditional song structures and melodies behind. His music would be created outside of those confines. His albums for the Contemporary label found him in the formative stages of his career, as basic song structures are still apparent, yet at times he will break away from those confines, which looked ahead to the most innovative period of his career.

"Invisible" and "The Sphinx" are the first and last tracks and they demonstrate what would become his recognizable sound and style of the future. The only reason they do not completely break free is the inclusion of Norris' piano into the mix as it adheres to traditional melody structures, which run counterpoint to Coleman's and Cherry's non- structured excursions. Coleman's use of a piano quickly disappeared from his various bands for almost four decades, as it was not needed.

The other seven tracks meander in and out of melody and structure. "The Disguise," "Alpha," and "When Will The Blues Leave" were all blues based tunes that Coleman breaks down into their various parts and then re-constructs them into jazz interpretations and excursions. "The Blessing," "Jayne," and "Chippie," begin as jazz compositions and for the most part are kept within those confines.

Al Di Meola/World Sinfonia – Pursuit Of Radical Rhapsody – Concord ...

(Al Di Meola – guitar, percussion, keyboards; Fausto Beccalossi – accordion; Kevin Seddicki – guitar; Gumbi Ortiz – percussion; Peter Kaszas – drums percussion; Victor Miranda – bass; Charlie Haden – bass; Peter Erskine – drums; Gonzalo Rubalcaba – piano; Barry Miles – string arrangements, keyboards; Mino Cinelu – percussion; Gabor Csonka – violin; Viktor Uhrin; violin; Gergely Kuklis – violin; Gyula Benk – viola; Andras Sturcz – cello) Not all New Jersey guitar players who were influenced by the music of Elvis Presley, The Beatles and The Ventures became rock and roll kings. Al Di Meola practiced eight to ten hours a day trying to discover his stylistic calling. When he heard the “Godfather of Fusion”, Larry Coryell, it was evident that jazz would be it. After enrolling at the Berklee School Of Music, the nineteen year old became part of Chick Corea’s seminal group Return To Forever. This unlikely twist of fate launched his career. After three successful albums with RTF, Di Meola began his lengthy stint as a band leader. With more than seven albums for Columbia Records, he worked with Steve Gadd, Lenny White, Anthony Jackson, Jaco Pastorius, Jan Hammer, Barry Miles, Corea, and Mingo Lewis. In 1980, Di Meola formed an acoustic guitar trio with Paco De Lucia and John McLaughlin, releasing three albums. He has worked with Luciano Pavorotti, Paul Simon, Carlos Santana, Wayne Shorter, Steve Winwood, Les Paul, Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock, constantly expanding his musical influences. After the 2008 RTF Reunion Tour, all his attention turned to the New World Sinfonia, bringing jazz to a world stage. is an ambitious collage of world music and fusion jazz. But there is more to this album than merely specific influences. Showcasing his considerable guitar skills (acoustic and electric) and songwriting acumen, this project is wildly spirited and crafted with precision. The interplay with the musicians in New World Sinfonia is compelling. “Siberiana” is an indication of the forceful nature of the collaboration. Di Meola sparkles on acoustic guitar as the band surrounds his machine-gun riffs with cadenced accents. Fausto Beccalosi adds a touch of romanticism on accordion. The acoustic resonance continues on “Michelangelo”s 7th Child (a reference to his father). After an elegant string introduction, the melody is subtly explored with guitar and accordion. The overall ensemble play surrounds the compositions.

Concord Music Group

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