Customer Reviews

Hidden Man

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Although I own and love most of Ornette's early work (the Atlantic box, "Golden Circle" discs, Chappaqua Suite, '62 Town Hall), I wasn't too sure what to expect when I purchased "Hidden Man" and its companion piece "Three Women." I never cared much for some of his post '60s work (e.g., Prime Time), so I've always been a little cautious when buying his more recent material. When I heard that "Hidden Man" and "Three Women," which feature basically the same tracks in different versions, were released to illustrate his vague theory of harmolodics, I became even a little more skeptical, thinking this might be some artistic stunt.

Well, I am completely in awe of the music on "Hidden Man" and "Three Women." I have never heard Ornette's music sound better. Ornette's playing is playful and explorative on these wonderful compositions. Ornette is one of the true grand masters in Jazz, and that he is still creating such beautiful and complicated music at this stage in his career is amazing. The other players on the discs are wonderful too, especially Geri Allen on piano and Charnett Moffett on bass. The interplay between the members of the quartet is completely enthralling.

As the others here have stated, buy both "Hidden Man" and "Three Women." They are both wonderful. They offer further proof that Ornette Coleman is one of the few true geniuses in the history of Jazz.

If you look at the contents, Three Women and Hidden Man seem similar, and the question is, do I buy both? If you're an Ornette fan, yes. If not, it's a tough call. Overall, Hidden Man has a more bottom-heavy, accessible sound. Three Women can seem a little cool. However, if you don't buy Three Women, you miss out on one cut not on Hidden Man, and that is the meltingly beautiful "Don't You Know by Now?".

If both of them don't go down as classic recordings, then that is the error of the jazz community. Get both "Sound Museum" recordings! More fresh, introspective, exploratory than anything else that has come out in the 1990s. Monumental!

i thought ornette was unfortunately consigned to past glories - WRONG - this album is as great as his altlantic masters. what a relief to hear the man again at his very, very best. it's complex and difficult but rewards in so many ways repeated listening. BEAUTIFUL - BUY THIS CD!