Record Reviews

ORNETTE COLEMAN ~ GENESIS OF GENIUS: THE CONTEMPORARY ALBUMS CRAFT 888072171534 (Barcode: 888072171534) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1958 - 1959 Released: 2021 This is a reissue / remaster Box Set, which presents the first two albums recorded by legendary American Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist, and originally released on the ContemporaryFind albums on this label Records label. The first album, entitled “Something Else!!!!Find albums with this title”, was recorded in a quintet setting, with trumpeter Don CherryFind albums by this artist, pianist Walter NorrisFind albums by this artist, bassist Don PayneFind albums by this artist and drummer Billy HigginsFind albums by this artist. It presents nine tracks, all original compositions by Coleman. The second album, entitled “Tomorrow Is The Question!Find albums with this title”, was recorded in a quartet setting, with Cherry, bassists Percy HeathFind albums by this artist or Red MitchellFind albums by this artist and drummer Shelly ManneFind albums by this artist. It presents nine tracks, all original compositions by Coleman. The Box sets does not offer any bonus material (since none does exist), but adds a wonderful and highly informative 44-page booklet, with background material and photographs. The original liner notes to both albums by the legendary critic Nat HentoffFind albums by this artist are also included. The remaster offers a splendid sound quality. Despite the popular notion about Coleman “inventing” Free Jazz or Avant-Garde Jazz, which is only partially justified, the music on these two albums, as superb as it is, may seem still quite conventional and Bebop based, and only a deeper and careful listening offers a glimpse into Coleman’s genius and unconventional (at the time) approach to improvisation and playing his instrument, which was still somewhat concealed under the Bebop veil, especially since all the musicians, except Cherry of course, were still completely devoted to the existing norms. Considering the fact that this music was recorded sixty-five years ago, it sounds remarkably fresh and exciting, especially since it manages to introduce many quirks and oddities, which were undoubtedly revolutionary as far as Jazz music was concerned at the time. Overall, this is an absolute classic piece of American Jazz, created at the pivotal moment in its history, shortly before the great revolution of Free Jazz was about to explode. No respected Jazz records collection can be complete without a copy of these two albums, and this is probably the best edition ever produced. Essential listening!

Updated: 23/06/2026Posted: 23/06/2026

CD 2 Digisleeve Box Set Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend