Various – New Thing! (2CD) NM/VG+

The “New Thing!” compilation by Soul Jazz Records is an essential introduction to the revolutionary avant-garde and free jazz movements of the late 1950s, 60s, and 70s. The title itself, “New Thing,” was a contemporary term used to describe this explosive new direction in jazz that broke away from traditional structures of melody, harmony, and rhythm.

The compilation documents the shift from the hard bop of the late 50s into a more radical, spiritual, and politically charged form of musical expression. It showcases artists who were pushing the boundaries of improvisation and sound. The album features a stellar lineup of pioneering musicians who defined the movement, including visionaries like Sun Ra, Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Don Cherry, and Albert Ayler.

Listeners can expect a journey from deep, spiritual jazz to fiery, high-energy “fire music.” The music is characterized by intense improvisation, unconventional instrumentation, and a powerful emotional and often political undercurrent, reflecting the civil rights era in the United States.