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Jazz Saxophonist Ornette Coleman

The free jazz innovator remains both influential and controversial 30 years after he appeared on the scene. His new album is called In All Languages.

09:10
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Other segments from the episode on June 23, 1987

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, June 23, 1987: Interview with Frank Deford; Commentary on Wynonie Harris; Interview with Ornette Coleman; Review of Eilleen Simpson's book "Orphans: Real and Imaginary."
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27:07

Covering the Drama of Sports

Sportswriter Frank Deford has a new collection of his work for Sport Illustrated called The World's Tallest Midget. He says writing long form pieces has helped sustain his career; he'd falter under the pressure of a daily deadline.

Interview
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06:16

Mr. Blues is Coming to Town

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers the brash and powerful blues "shouter" Wynonie Harris, whose raucous songs had a strong influence on early rock and roll.

Commentary
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03:57

(Re)defining Orphans

Book critic John Leonard says the memoir section of Eileen Simpson's new hybrid book, about her own experiences as an orphan, is compelling and insightful; her later meditations on the idea of orphanhood are less successful.

Review

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06:33

Ornette Coleman Blends the Old and New

The free jazz saxophonist's new album features both his original 1950s-era quartet and his more recent electric ensemble, Prime Time. Jazz critic Francis Davis is occasionally frustrated by the production, but nonetheless says the record is one of the most significant releases of the year.

Review
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11:07

Father and Son Jazz Musicians Ornette and Denardo Coleman.

Composer and jazz musician Ornette Coleman and his son, producer Denardo Coleman. They've just collaborated on a new album, "Ornette Coleman & Prime Time: Tone Dialing." It's on a new label that Coleman has founded: Harmolodic (a division of Verve Records). In 1959 Coleman he started the era of "free jazz." Since then Coleman has been one of jazz's most innovative and controversial composers. In 1994 Coleman was a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship Award

Interview

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