The album that announced free jazz, melodic yet liberated from chord changes. Revolutionary and surprisingly tuneful. A pivotal record. Released in 1959, it's an early landmark for Ornette Coleman.
On vinyl: Original pressings are collector's territory now, so most listeners reach for a well-reviewed reissue.
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More from Ornette Coleman — where to go next
If you have The Shape of Jazz to Come, these are the Ornette Coleman records worth reaching for next.
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The Shape of Jazz to Come1959 · you're viewing this oneStart here
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Change of the Century1960 · JazzEssential
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Free Jazz: A Collective Improvisation1961 · JazzEssential
If you like The Shape of Jazz to Come, try
Moanin'Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
Mingus Ah UmCharles Mingus
Time OutDave Brubeck
Blowin' the Blues AwayHorace Silver
Kind of BlueMiles Davis
Porgy and BessMiles Davis