Ornette Coleman: His Life and Music

by Peter Niklas Wilson

A biography of the jazz musician also offers an explanation of "harmolodics" and analyzes his compositions

Genres: Music, Jazz

244 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jeff Crompton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief glance at Ornette Coleman's music rather than a deep dive - but this book is valuable and enjoyable on its own terms. A chronological guide to Coleman's recordings (up the 1999) takes over half the book, but the most enlightening section is Wilson's discussion of harmolodics, Coleman's musical system. This has been a source of confusion for many listeners, largely due to Coleman's unique way of writing and talking about his music. Wilson draws conclusions from the music itself and comes up with the clearest explanation of harmolodics I've come across. (It seems to be a set of musical practices rather than a theory, which is how Coleman has described it.)

If this is not the definitive book on Ornette Coleman and his music, it's probably a must for any fan.

[Sen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book on Ornette Coleman by an actual musician the late Niklas Wilson was an active bass player and composer, the analysis of tunes, scores and Ornette's language in both jazz and classical contexts are valuable and clearly presented in notation, good for anyone with a musical background. Even the non musician will find lots to read and enhance their listening. Also albums are discussed in order and a discography included at the end.

[Taneli Viitahuhta · Rating 4 out of 5]

compact & cohesive, with inclusive discography

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography, analysis with sheet music and a glossed discography make for great tomography. The harmolodics exegesis helped attune and focus my ears.