Ornette Coleman, saxophonist, violinist, metaphysician has been announced as director of this year’s Meltdown festival.
Coleman pioneered the idea of improvising without chord changes in the late-1950s, giving birth to the free jazz revolution and forever changing the musical landscape. From landmark releases in his early career including The Shape of Jazz to Come, Free Jazz and This Is Our Music to the award-winning Sound Grammar in 2006, he has innovated and challenged convention throughout his entire career.
His radical, uncompromising approach to his art has made him a hero to generations of avant-garde artists from John Coltrane, John Zorn and Pat Metheny to Leonard Bernstein, Frank Zappa, Mike Patton, Patti Smith, Yo La Tengo, Sonic Youth, Spiritualized and Lou Reed.
One of the most anticipated music events of the year, Meltdown offers a guest director the chance to curate their own personal festival, revealing their interests and influences.
The festival’s eclectic mix of music, art, performance and film brings together a diverse range of artists, resulting in unique collaborations and historic one-off events. Now in its 16th year, the illustrious list of Meltdown directors includes David Bowie, Patti Smith, Morrissey, Jarvis Cocker, Nick Cave, John Peel and Massive Attack.
The line-up is to be announced in the coming weeks.
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