Don Cherry: The Universal Language of a Jazz Nomad
Don Cherry by Andy Freeberg
"When people believe in boundaries, they become a part of them."
These words, uttered by the influential jazz trumpeter known as Don Cherry, echo the ethos that shaped his boundary-pushing career. His artistic journey was characterized by a resistance to limitations and a ceaseless exploration of the universal language of music.
Cherry, born in 1936 in Oklahoma City, embarked upon his lifelong love affair with music at a young age, first with the piano, but soon finding his true voice in the trumpet. It was in the company of the innovative saxophonist Ornette Coleman in the late 1950s that Cherry found himself at the epicenter of a new, unorthodox jazz movement. Their unbridled improvisation challenged the conventions of the era and formed the cornerstone of what would come to be known as free jazz.
Yet, Cherry's musical voyages would transcend the genre that gave him his start. An inherent curiosity about the world's diverse sounds led him across the globe, from the medinas of Morocco to the spice-scented markets of Turkey, the spiritual ashrams of India to the Northern Lights of Scandinavia. He immersed himself deeply in these cultures, not just assimilating their musical traditions but also understanding their philosophies. This global pilgrimage birthed a unique sound fusion, a global jazz that blurred the lines between the East and the West.
This exploration took physical form in Cherry's choice of instruments—his music blossomed with the sounds of the sitar, the tambura, the doussn'gouni, and more. His 1966 album, 'Symphony for Improvisers,' offered a striking manifestation of his vision—a symphony that wove together the threads of Eastern melodies and Western improvisation in a groundbreaking musical tapestry.
Don and Neneh Cherry at the Museum of Modern Art's "Bucky Dome" pavilion
But Cherry's legacy did not end with his innovative music. His vision for a cross-genre, boundary-less music would significantly influence his stepdaughter, Neneh Cherry. She played a pivotal role in London's Buffalo movement, a potent fusion of punk, reggae, pop, and fashion that defined the 1980s. Neneh's work, much like her stepfather's, moved fluidly across boundaries, echoing his dedication to a global music dialogue.
Don Cherry’s life was a testament to the power of artistic curiosity. His relentless quest to push beyond the known territories of music, to challenge boundaries and build bridges, shaped a unique sound that continues to reverberate in the music world today. As we navigate the interconnected music landscape of the present, his legacy serves as both inspiration and guide—reminding us of the power of cultural dialogue, the joy of musical exploration, and the timeless, borderless magic of music.
