According to Wikipedia Harmolodics is the musical philosophy of jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman and is therefore associated primarily with the jazz avant-garde and the free jazz movement, although its implications extend beyond these limits. The truth of the matter is that no one but Ornette really knows what “harmolodics” are. Even many of the musicians who have worked with him are unsure. Having said that Coleman has a unique take on jazz that is immediately recognisable.
I had to pleasure to see Coleman play in the 1980s with his uncompromising electric band that featured, amongst other Jamaaladeen Tacuma and Bernie Nix. I say pleasure, unfortunately that night a had a really bad migraine. The combined effect of Coleman’s music and the head pain pushed me back in my chair in a gale of intensity I’d never experienced before, or since. But I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. A true legend.
As a small tribute to Ornette and his esoteric term “harmolodics” I have posted a mix on Mixcloud. It features not just Colemen, but many musicians who have worked with him. It pretty uncompromising stuff, but worth a listen. Just click on the picture above to access the music.
Weird Jazz Collective 