Collection: Charlie Haden

Charlie Haden (1937-2014) revolutionised the bass in jazz, liberating it from purely accompanying roles to become an equal voice in improvisation. As Ornette Coleman's bassist on The Shape of Jazz to Come, he pioneered free jazz by improvising melodic responses rather than following predetermined chords. In 1969, he formed the Liberation Music Orchestra with Carla Bley's visionary arrangements, merging avant-garde jazz with Spanish Civil War songs to create politically charged music that won international acclaim.

But Haden's range extended far beyond the avant-garde. His Quartet West explored film noir atmospherics with deeply romantic sensibility, whilst his ECM duets with Pat Metheny, Keith Jarrett, and others showcased intimate musical conversations. From revolutionary Impulse recordings to contemplative Verve sessions, his discography documents a bassist of profound melodic gifts who never compromised his artistic vision.