Today's Sounds: Don Cherry

Record:

Don Cherry, Organic Music Society (Caprice)

Don Cherry first rose to fame as the trumpet player in Ornette Coleman’s quartet of the late 1950s, but, like many free jazzers (including Ornette), sought musical and spiritual inspiration from non-Western cultures. Originally a double LP released in 1972, and impossibly rare since, Caprice Records has given the 40th anniversary re-release the royal treatment, packaging it as either one CD or a faithful reproduction of the original vinyl format. Either way, the set will be cherished by Cherry-o-philes for its meditative oms, vocalized drones and earthy world tones.

The “North Brazilian Ceremonial Hymn” leads things off with 12 minutes of loose percussion and ceremonial chanting, backed by Indian tambura whisps. It was not surprising to read that this was recorded at 6 a.m., its hazy, druggy mystique imbued with morning dew. The two-part “Relativity Suite” has Cherry on harmonium, conch, percussion, trumpet and h’suan, the latter a Chinese variant of a flute. These tracks betray an African gnawa influence, and feature spoken-word incantations regarding time, religion and the Organic Society itself.

Two versions of “Terry’s Tune,” written by minimalist composer Terry Riley, feature Cherry’s piano playing. A cover of Pharoah Sanders’s catchy “The Creator Has a Master Plan” and Cherry’s own “Hope” invoke a jazzy aura, albeit crossed with world influences. The final song, “Resa,” features Bengt Berger on tablas and a choir of voices, returning full circle to the droning chant territory where the journey began.

This record is a godsend for those looking zone out to complex drones that deliver not only an early ‘70s hippie vibe, but musical and instrumental variations, too. A trip both inside your head and around the world.

Track:

Wild Nothing, “Paradise”

Imagine New Order’s “Thieves Like Us,” re-jigged by an exhumed Ian Curtis, on ecstasy. Or just listen to Jack Tatum’s latest track, from his album Nocturne, out Aug. 28 on Captured Tracks.