Ornette Coleman

I normally don’t write personal comments on my posts but feel compelled to on this one. The amazing, legendary, influential, iconic alto saxophonist Ornette Coleman has died at 85 years old in NYC. Ornette and his music first came to my attention around 1973 when I heard his classic Atlantic albums from the late 50’s early 60’s. His sound, forward vision and style influenced my taste in music ever since. I was absolutely thrilled to photograph him when he made a surprise appearance at Celebrate Ornette: The Music Of Ornette Coleman Featuring Denardo Coleman Vibe & Guests an event that his son, drummer Denardo Coleman, organized to honor him. Unfortunately, it ended up being his last ever public appearance. Being so close to him our eyes made contact many times throughout the performance and we both smiled broadly at each other each time. He could see what a huge fan I was just by my reactions and responses to his playing. I will never forget those moments nor will I ever forget Ornette and the tremendous legacy of music he bestowed upon the world. You will be missed tremendously Ornette but you will always be loved and remembered. Please say, “Hello” to Don Cherry, John Coltrane and Sun Ra when you get to the other side and join the greatest band ever. There is a fantastic obituary on the New York Times website that can be viewed here.

BrooklynVegan has published another one of my The Music Of Ornette Coleman Featuring Denardo Coleman Vibe & Guests photos from June 12, 2014 at Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn, NY.  See the article and photo here.

The concert was part of the Blue Note Jazz Festival and featured appearances and performances by: Denardo Coleman Vibe: featuring Al MacDowell, bass; Tony Falanga, bass; Charles Ellerbe, guitar; Antoine Roney, sax; Denardo Coleman, drums. Special guests Bachir Attar and The Master Musicians of Jajouka, Bill Laswell, Branford Marsalis, Bruce Hornsby, David Murray, Flea, Geri Allen, Gregg Mann, Hal Willner, Henry Threadgill, James Blood Ulmer, Jay Dee Daugherty, Joe Lovano, John Zorn, Laurie Anderson, Lenny Kaye, Master Ren Tai Chi, Nels Cline, Ornette Coleman, Patti Smith, Ravi Coltrane, Savion Glover, Sonny Rollins, Thurston Moore, Tony Shanahan, Wallace Roney Jr., unknown sax with Patti Smith and unknown generating Lou Reed Guitar Drones.

All the The Music Of Ornette Coleman Featuring Denardo Coleman Vibe & Guests photos from this performance can be viewed and purchased here or viewed on Flickr.

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