Home / Jazz / The Shape of Jazz to Come
The Shape of Jazz to ComeOrnette Coleman
Jazz · 1950s

The Shape of Jazz to Come — 1959

Ornette Coleman

Released 1959Jazz
Start here89247 Verdict
Score

The album that announced free jazz, melodic yet liberated from chord changes. Revolutionary and surprisingly tuneful. A pivotal record. Top of their ranked list for a reason — start here.

On vinyl: Original mono pressings from this era are sought-after; a quality reissue is the practical choice for most listeners.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.

AMAZONThe Shape of Jazz to Come on VinylCheck Price →
AMAZONThe Shape of Jazz to Come on CDCheck Price →
AMAZONStream on Amazon Music

First 30 days free

Try Free →

Links open Amazon search results. Watch on YouTube →

Tracks from this album on our lists

We don't reproduce full tracklists — only the songs from this record we've featured in our best-of lists.

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.

  1. 1
    The Shape of Jazz to Come1959 · you're viewing this one
    Start here
  2. 2 Essential
  3. 3 Essential

If you like The Shape of Jazz to Come, try

Moanin'Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
Jazz · 1959

Moanin'

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers

Mingus Ah UmCharles Mingus
Jazz · 1959

Mingus Ah Um

Charles Mingus

Time OutDave Brubeck
Jazz · 1959

Time Out

Dave Brubeck

Blowin' the Blues AwayHorace Silver
Jazz · 1959

Blowin' the Blues Away

Horace Silver

Kind of BlueMiles Davis
Jazz · 1959

Kind of Blue

Miles Davis

Porgy and BessMiles Davis
Jazz · 1959

Porgy and Bess

Miles Davis