Ornette Coleman - Chappaqua Suite (1965) [1997 Master Sound Series]

Sanders' interaction with Coleman is startling too, in that his normally overpowering voice is tempered here, playing along with the nuances and odd harmonic figures Coleman suggests and then blatantly states from his alto. The improvisation is complementary, not a cutting contest at all. Most of all, the rhythm section carries the balance of power and keeps the entire thing moving, handling the dynamic changes with a feral grace while at the same time suggesting a knottier path for Coleman to follow in the tempting pastoral sections of the work. While not considered a masterwork of Coleman's, perhaps because of its unavailability in the United States in its entirety, Chappaqua Suite is a testament to Coleman's vision as a composer and the power of his orchestral direction. Very worthwhile indeed.

Tracks:

CD1
01 - Part I
02 - Part II

CD2
01 - Part III
02 - Part IV

Personnel:

Ornette Coleman - alto sax, trumpet
Pharoah Sanders - tenor sax
David Izenzon - bass
Charlie Moffet - drums
plus:
a large studio band directed by Joseph Tekula