Ornette Coleman has been a leading force in jazz since his startling debut in the late '50s, Coleman's emotive alto saxophone style relies on melodic improvisation unbound by chord changes. This style (and philosophy) was dubbed by Ornette 'harmelodics' and reached its peak in a small combo whose virtuoso playing had the power of the blues and the multi-rhythmic sophistication of Monk, Mingus, or Coltrane. The landmark series of albums Coleman released in the late '50s and early '60s still define the shape of jazz to come. The six-CD 'Beauty Is A Rare Thing' box set showcases the 'free jazz' pioneer's most seminal sides, featuring his entire recorded output for Atlantic Records from 1959 to 1962 in chronological order - plus half a dozen previously unreleased tracks. This essential collection also includes a huge booklet of photos, a detailed history of his life and music, and commentary from jazz luminaries, including Ornette himself! A reconfiguration of the original Rhino box set which brought these legendary recordings out on CD for the first time, 'Beauty Is A Rare Thing' is presented in a sleek, hard clamshell box, with the CDs held in elegant card sleeves and a glossy 70-page booklet.