Don Cherrys Complete Communion is a landmark in avant-garde jazz, showcasing his adventurous spirit and vision for a more collective, conversational approach to improvisation. Recorded in 1965 and released on Blue Note, this album features a seamless suite structure divided into two parts, each interweaving multiple themes and motifs. Backed by an outstanding lineupGato Barbieri on tenor sax, Henry Grimes on bass, and Ed Blackwell on drumsCherry crafts a fluid and dynamic soundscape that defies traditional form and embraces spontaneous interplay.

What makes Complete Communion so compelling is its sense of continuous movement and democratic energy. Rather than spotlighting solos in a conventional order, the quartet engages in a constant dialogue, where ideas flow rapidly between players, blurring the line between composition and improvisation. Cherrys pocket trumpet dances through the rich textures with warmth and urgency, while the rhythm section propels the performance with infectious vitality. It's a groundbreaking moment in Cherrys discography and a cornerstone of 1960s free jazz.

Reviews

Complete Communion is a joyous, free-flowing marvel that captures Don Cherry at his most open-hearted and exploratory. AllMusic

Cherry's quartet achieves a remarkable cohesion, improvising with empathy and fire throughout this highly structured yet spontaneous suite. The Guardian

An innovative album that redefined the possibilities of form and structure in jazz. Pitchfork

An essential document of the free jazz era, Complete Communion remains as fresh and vital as ever. JazzTimes

A masterpiece of collective improvisation that anticipates the global directions Cherry would later pursue. DownBeat

Review

Complete Communion
A1 Complete Communion
A2 And Now
A3 Golden Heart
A4 Remembrance
Elephantasy
B1 Elephantasy
B2 Our Feelings
B3 Bishmallah
B4 Wind, Sand And Stars