Ches Smith

Modern free jazz is the contemporary continuation of the free jazz revolution, carrying the 1960s ethos of open form, collective improvisation, and timbral exploration into present-day practice. It merges the energy and spontaneity of classic free jazz with expanded palettes: noise textures, electronics, extended techniques, and occasional cross-pollination with experimental rock, contemporary classical, and electroacoustic music. Ensembles range from fiercely interactive trios to large, conducted improvising orchestras, and the music often moves between high-density sound masses and fragile, nuanced silence.