Today is Ornette Coleman's 81st birthday, and we can celebrate with smiles, thanks, and The Shape of Jazz to Come.
Tune in to Columbia University's WKCR for a full day of Coleman's work as the station celebrates "innovation, relentless individualism, and commitment to artistic freedom." Right on. You might also enjoy Matthew Ditullo's excellent "This Shape of Jazz" blog, where Ditullo thinks about jazz, blues, and beer.
I've never seen Ornette Coleman play—I aim to change that as soon as possible—but his melodies are like old friends.
