Don Cherry

Eternal Rhythm

★★★★

Don Cherry is one of those jazz figures that has been a great innovator but also a testament to everything that jazz has been and will continue to be. He's more than a trumpeter, he's a master in the genre and style. And I would argue that he was one of the greatest creator of the so-called "spiritual jazz". 

Unlike those before him, Don Cherry really immersed himself in the different musical cultures of the world. That's why you can pick up influences from the Latin World, Africa, and East Asia and India. Not to mention the obvious basis he forms from jazz and blues music. Whether he's by himself or in a large band setting like this, he always seems to have control of the chaos; it's all formulated in his mind. 

I will say that this extensive live performance is not a good start for most beginners of Cherry's music. There's a star-studded, transnational lineup here, and they make good use of that fact. The gamelan, vibes, wind chimes. All insanely arranged. The horns don't disappoint either but I think it's more important to focus on the unique and powerful instrumentation that comes into play. 

Even after this behemoth release Don continued to expand his horizons into almost Miles Davis-esque experimentation. Working with electronic instruments and taking inspiration from the innovations new music brought. He'd been there from the post-bopisms all the way to the future sounds not everyone understood. Much like this title, Don Cherry's music is eternal.

Favorite Song: Part Two