Ornette Coleman - Law Years




 

Song: Law Years

Artist: Ornette Coleman

Album: Science Fiction (1971)

Bassist: Charlie Haden

Drummer: Ed Blackwell

Place: Los Angeles, CA 

Notes: Charlie Haden and Ed Blackwell are wilding. Playing that fast (and, for Haden, in no key). Sheesh. In my opinion, both of them get to shine on this track. Haden's riveting bass intro that ends in a funky call to action for the band to begin the song. Additionally, Blackwell's drum solo at 4:14, especially the particular groove from 4:39-4:46, is of note. And the two shine together in the bass/drum section from :30 to 1:26. What I really love in this song is the transitions out of solos. Blackwell's snare hit (at :14) brings the full band in. My personal favorite happens at 1:26 when Coleman's saxophone reenters somehow smoothly and the band is back. Towards the end of the song, the band comes in a final time at 4:55 after the drum solo. Wacky transitions but they work. 

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