The late Don Cherry is likely most well-known for his association with Ornette Coleman, forming the crucial front line with Ornette that turned the music world on its ear back in 1959. After leaving that famed quartet, Cherry made amazing music of his own that is proving to be influential on later generations of improvisers. He was one of the first globe-trotting musicians to combine his eclectic interests into a type of “world music” before the term had the corny connotations it does now, but more enduring are his small groups (often featuring New Orleans drummer Ed Blackwell) in which Cherry structured elaborate, set-length suites that used sweeping melodies to prompt group improvisation and take-no-prisoners soloing informed by the new energies of Ayler, Archie Shepp, and their comrades.

This period is best documented on the three albums Cherry made for Blue Note (Complete Communion, Symphony for Improvisers, and Where Is Brooklyn?) all of which are essential listening, but this is a case where more is definitely welcome and Live at Cafe Monmartre 1966 fills in a significant gap. Cherry, heard here on a Pakistani cornet, had found a perfect foil in Argentinian tenor saxophonist Gato Barbieri, and formed a fine international group with German vibraphonist Karl Berger, Italian drummer Aldo Romano, and Danish bassist Bo Stief. It’s safe to say that if your only exposure to Barbieri is from the soundtrack to Last Tango in Paris you are in for a shock, as his playing here is possessed. While bass and drums cook and swing behind him Barbieri blows with cocky authority, unfurling fleet lines at insane tempo with a highly developed integration of screams and multiphonics into coherent narrative statements. Cherry guides the band expertly and contributes tart, pungent improvisations with a beautiful cornet tone.

Even though this music has been available before in bootleg form, it’s great to have this officially available so more listeners can hear this overlooked phase in the inspirational musical life of one of the true originals.