Overview
Amidst a politically tumultuous world, a new style of jazz broke away from the constraints of mainstream modern jazz. Known as free jazz, this new style formed the core of the avant-garde movement in jazz. In this section, we will examine some influential avant-garde and free jazz musicians, and the artistic and cultural significance of their music. In addition, we'll consider the music of Miles Davis' mid-60s quintet, along with the significant individual contributions of the quintet’s pianist, Herbie Hancock.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to do the following:
- Identify musicians who contributed to avant-garde and free jazz styles
- Appreciate Ornette Coleman’s unique use of pitch bending
- Appreciate the Miles Davis mid-60s quintet as another innovative jazz group led by Davis
- Recognize the accomplishments of Herbie Hancock during that time
- Identify musicians who collaborated with Herbie Hancock
Ghosts
The first track on Spiritual Unity, Ghosts: First Variation ♫, is among Ayler's most well-known pieces. The Ghosts: First Variation ♫ theme provides a tonal point of departure before Ayler and Peacock take their turns exploring the atonalMusic that lacks a tonal center (key). terrain they've staked out. The theme provides a return destination as well — and a way to conclude the piece.
Ghosts: First Variation ♫ begins with a brief solo introduction, after which the trio plays an earthy, soulful, 8-bar AB theme (4 + 4) that would not be out of place in the musical world of R&B. During the repeat of the theme, though, while making their way through the last four bars, Ayler and company depart rapidly — and with remarkable ease — from the tonal landscape. In only a matter of seconds, there are no familiar signposts. Ayler leads his trio in a responsive, collaborative, atonal improvisation that was at that time without precedent in a jazz trio setting. The group's responsiveness to one another calls to mind the Evans-LaFaro-Motian trio, though the musical results are dramatically different. Let's listen Ghosts: First Variation ♫.
The last five years of Albert Ayler's life were marked by mixed results, artistically speaking. In an effort to broaden his appeal, Ayler returned to his R&B roots and explored other popular musical styles. He met with only limited success and, in the process, alienated his most ardent fans. By 1970, he had returned to a free jazz style, but he was no longer playing with musicians of the caliber of Peacock and Murray. Albert Ayler disappeared on November 5, 1970, and his body was found in the East River three weeks later. He had evidently drowned, presumably by suicide, at age 34.
