In Coleman's vision, a lack of formal training is an asset. He introduced violin and trumpet solos into his music long before he could actually play them with any fluency, as a short cut to pure emotional expression unfettered by habit. His influence extends far beyond jazz - the Stooges, MC5, Patti Smith and the Velvet Underground are all declared fans. Ornette Coleman is punk rock in the truest sense.
Coleman's music is, if anything, more radical now, but he was welcomed into the jazz establishment long ago, albeit not to universal approval. This year he received a lifetime achievement Grammy in addition to a Pulitzer prize and MacArthur Foundation "genius" award. He's not much interested in plaudits. "I don't want to be at the top. I just want to be alive and useful," he says.
As the interview ends, I say, as instructed, "Jonathan Demme told me to hug you." Coleman's already smiling face creases still further. "Oh, he's precious," he says, visibly touched. "Come here. That is so precious." He hugs me, shakes my hand, and as I turn to leave offers one last piece of advice: "The idea is all there is. Trust me."
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