One of the most forward-thinking and radical musicians of his or any era, saxophone great Ornette Coleman revolutionised jazz with his early albums for Atlantic Records. In the late 60s he was signed to Impulse by Bob Thiele. When Bob left Impulse, Coleman donated a track to his Flying Dutchman album “Head Start”. Then, finding himself temporarily without a deal, he allowed Flying Dutchman to put out his latest album, a fascinating recording cut live at a loft space Coleman owned in downtown New York. Musicians on the recording include his long-time collaborators Ed Blackwell on drums and Charlie Haden on bass alongside fiery tenor player Dewey Redman. The music is a satisfying set that particularly shines on the title track and ‘Forgotten Song’. Out of print for nearly 40 years, “Friends And Neighbors” is one of the most overlooked albums in Coleman’s extensive discography. We hope this reissue brings a change to that.
