Joe Harriott: Jazz File Documentary

Although I have not fully explored the music of Joe Harriott or British jazz, this short BBC documentary on his life and music is a great overview. Born in Kingston, and a product of an orphanage which produced a startling number of prominent Jamaican musicians, this documentary informs us about the ways in which Harriott devised his own form of free jazz independently of Ornette Coleman and the American jazz scene. Artists like Harriott have long reminded me of the importance of uncovering innovative jazz artists beyond the confines of the United States. 

Calypso Sketches

A personal favorite from one of the greats of 1960s UK jazz. Jamaican-born Joe Harriott was something like the Ornette Coleman across the pond who arrived at similar 'freedoms' in jazz simultaneously. Although not as 'out there' as Coleman, musicians like Harriott or the numerous South African jazz musicians working in the UK since the 1960s added some much needed spice and to British jazz. Sure, it's not "St. Thomas," but the frantic drumming is reminiscent of Max Roach.