Ornette Coleman Music

This Bartok quartet # 3 is superior to the grammy winning Emerson Quartet rendition(I also own) both artistically & technically(sound recording/reproduction).
This is an emotionally bright, joyful CD.
The ONLY problem is deciding which tracks to skip if your listening time only permits 30-45 minutes.

This is one of Kronos' weakest CDs. As a driving force for new music in the end of the 20th century and beginning of the 21st century, they've been invaluable in commissioning, performing and recording new works. But when they try to play the great music of old, they reveal themselves to be a below-average ensemble. Such is the case here with their Bartok 3, arguably the best of the composers' six quartets. Kronos' anemic sound is combined here with occasionally vague rhythm, utter lack of dynamic contrast and single-color playing, and the result is something of a joke, especially in comparison with some of the great recordings by groups such as the Emerson, Tokyo, and Takacs quartets.

The other works on the disc are weak and easily forgettable (including the odd, somewhat cheesy Johnston arrangement), though the Volans is mildly entertaining. In short, don't waste your time or money on this recording.

I agree with the previous reviewer...the Kronos rendition of Bartok Quartet #3 is charitably described as anemic. Compared to any number of other recordings (most notably, in my opinion, the 1963 Juilliard version), it underscores my feeling that Kronos would be well-advised to avoid the standard repertoire and stick to works composed specifically for them.

Aside from the lousy Bartok, the only piece of note (for me) was the Kevin Volans piece, which earns this album the lofty 3 stars I have given it. The other pieces seem to be largely filler, and are so unmemorable as to be forgotten as soon as they are finished. Definitely not one of Kronos' better efforts.

When this album was recorded, it caused a stir. Is this jazz or is it just a hack who can't play messing around? At first, it might seem like the latter ... but don't be fooled. This album echoes through history to field hollers, and West African traditions, as Ornette bends notes, wails, and captures subtleties of jazz that would influence every great jazz player from then on, Coltrane, Miles, to name but a few. (Sharma's classic book (available on Amazon) The Death of Art mentions the civil right's context in which this music was created) This recorded version doesn't mess with the aesthetic, but simply cleans up the recording.
Enjoy and Marvel

I highly recommend shelling out a few more bucks for this remastered version--the sound is greatly improved (higher resolution, more "information") compared to the original CD version. Sound more like you're listening to four great musicians instead of a recording of 'em. This is a classic and beautiful album that was revolutionary at its time, and is still very appealing today. Incidentally, I noticed it's one of only a handful of Jazz albums that appears on the Rolling Stone Top 500 albums of all time list.

PS: Previously, this review had "10 of 10" helpful votes. The votes disappeared when Amazon changed their reviewer ranking system--some sort of glitch in the system. These votes should not have disappeared--this is a great product!