Search - Don Cherry :: Old & New Dreams

Stark and Beautiful

John Simley | Bentonville, Arkansas, United States | 05/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Old and New Dreams was created in 1977 as a revival of the Ornette Coleman quartet of the early 1960s. Problem was, Coleman wasn't interested, so the remaining members recruited saxaphonist Dewey Redman to replace Coleman. Formation of the group also marked the return of Don Cherry, following years of self-imposed exile in protest over the Vietnam War, and a noodling journey of musical discovery through Africa, Asia and Europe. This recording, from 1979, gives Coleman's "Lonely Woman" the deep, meditative treatment that escaped the original recording, topping 12 minutes. Cherry's composition "Guinea" features Cherry on Piano, as well as his signature pocket trumpet. It is a melodious piece with complex rhythms and beautiful solos. On "Song for the Whales," bassist Charlie Haden produces eery whale sounds using a bow, taking the song into a flowing vehicle for the soloists. Blackwell's "Togo," Coleman's "Open or Close," and Redman's "Orbit of La-Ba" together give the recording much of its feel, with deep explorations of simple melodies and rich tone. What makes this group so interesting is the stark accompaniment: trumpet and sax solos are accompanied only by drums and bass. This recording grows on you, especially after you learn to appreciate the free style of playing and Don Cherry's wailing trumpet (an expression of pure glee he called "Cherrytalk"). If you find anything redeeming in Kenny G, you will really hate this CD -- and vice versa."