Jazz Legend Ornette Coleman to Appear in Vancouver

jazz concerts, Canada

Ornette Coleman
February 17, 2008
Chan Centre, Vancouver

77 year old saxophonist, composer a pioneer of Free Jazz

The Coastal Jazz & Blues Society in Vancouver has announced that jazz legend Ornette Coleman will be performing at the Chan Centre on February 17, 2008, as part of their ongoing concert series. Tickets will go on sale September 27th.

Saxophonist and composer Ornette Coleman is recognized as one of the most innovative musicians in the history of jazz and a pioneer of free jazz. His vision involves what he calls an “harmolodic” approach, a “sound grammar” which provides all musicians’ voices equal emphasis as they combine to bring his compositions, many of which have become jazz standards, to life.

For over fifty years Coleman has led a wide range of collaborative groups in diverse formats from duo to symphony orchestras, with such greats as Don Cherry, Charlie Haden, Dewey Redman, Pat Metheny, Jerry Garcia and Lou Reed. His current group includes Tony Falanga and Charnett Moffett (acoustic basses), Al McDowell (electric bass), and son Denardo (percussion), along with the 77 year old multi-instrumentalist best known for his alto saxophone work.

For his vision and innovation, 77-year-old Ornette Coleman has been rewarded with numerous accolades including the MacArthur “Genius” Award, the 2007 Pulitzer Prize in Music, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ornette Coleman last appeared in Vancouver 20 years ago during the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

February 17, 2008 @ 8 PM
Ornette Coleman Quintet
Ornette Coleman (saxophone, trumpet, violin), Tony Falanga (acoustic bass), Charnett Moffett (acoustic bass), Al McDowell (electric bass), Denardo Coleman (drums)
The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, Vancouver