Song For Che
Ornette Coleman
The original studio version of Charlie Haden’s “Song For Che”
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Che Guevara (1928-67) was an Argentinian who was a Marxist revolutionary, a guerilla leader, and a friend of Fidel Castro.
Bassist Charlie Haden composed the thoughtful “Song For Che” after Guevara’s death.
The Ornette Coleman Quintet on Mar. 22, 1969 recorded the debut version of the song in an out-of-tempo rendition that is both melodic and full of passion.
“Song For Che,” which a month later would be recorded by Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra, remained in Coleman’s repertoire for a few years and was revived by Haden several times including for a 1972 recording with Keith Jarrett.
The original version, originally released on Coleman’s Crisis album, has powerful solos from the altoist and bassist Haden.
Personnel:
Ornette Coleman, alto
Don Cherry, cornet
Dewey Redman, tenor
Charlie Haden, bass
Denardo Coleman, drums
– Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald