More freeform eclecticism from jazz's favourite Saturnian, Sun Ra. The cover's by-line says it all - "The artsists alone decide what you will hear on their ESP disk". Basically lots of mystical sounding stuff based on the 'space chord' and featuring a clavioline (synthesiser of sorts). A CD version coupled with the second volume is now available.
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Unit Structures Cecil Taylor 1966 [Blue Note]
Pianist Cecil Taylor's early free jazz explorations never quite received the attention they deserved - being largely overshadowed by Ornette Coleman's less radical, but more controversial recordings. Structures is loaded with a wealth of free improvisations and rhythmic variations. Two bass players guaranteed plenty of room to explore.
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Machine Gun Peter Brotzmann Octet 1968 [FMP]
Perhaps the most influential figure of the European Free Jazz underground - Brötzmann is a multi-reed instrumentalist who pulls no punches. Made with an octet featuring Evan Parker on tenor, MG's cover says it all - "automatic gun for fast, continuous firing". Packed with aggression and ferocity, gentler souls might find this disturbing.
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Mu (First Part & Second Part) Don Cherry 1969 [Affinity/Varese]
Mu consists of two original albums released as a single-CD. Cherry set out to explore his interest in global music through jazz he said was about "listening and travelling". Aside from the usual trumpets - he also tackles piano, flutes and vocals. Legendary free jazz drummer Ed Blackwell kicks in some African rhythms that are out of this world.
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Karma Pharoah Sanders 1969 [Impulse!]
In the late-60s tenor saxophonist Sanders was the spiritual heir-apparent to the late John Coltrane. A rarity for the avant-garde, this album was actually a commercial hit - with the 30-minute plus 'The Creator Has a Master Plan' scoring plenty of FM air time. Despite all the screaming and yodelling, a surprisingly listenable record.
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Nice Guys Art Ensemble Of Chicago 1978 [ECM]
Avant-garde unit out of Chicago's AACM movement of the 1960s - eventually heading to Europe in search of recording opportunities. The standout performers here are Roscoe Mitchell and Joseph Jarman, but as always the AEC focus is firmly on the collective. Accessible to the point where some think Nice Guys lacks improvisational drive.
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Ming David Murray Octet 1980 [Black Saint]
Sporting five Murray originals, Ming is avant-garde jazz with just enough accessibility to tantalise the mainstream. Tenor Murray's octet features an impressive line-up - including altoist Henry Threadgill and pianist Anthony Davis. On release Ming was hailed by critics as the most important album to appear on the Black Saint label.
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The Big Gundown John Zorn 1985 [Elektra/Nonesuch]
A fun record that frequently reaches the jazz outer limits and beyond. Altoist Zorn got official approval to tackle nine movie themes by Italian Ennio Morricone. Subsequently, the resulting record sounds a little like a B-grade spaghetti flick. An absolutely essential addition to any truly complete avant-garde collection.
