It's been decades since Ornette's been in Toronto, and after the initial standing ovation for the band, Ornette walked onto the stage to steady applause, carrying his gold alto sax and dressed in a black pork pie hat and black suit with bursting gold medallion patterns. Speaking soft and gentle, Ornette hoped we'd enjoy the evening's music.

Jazz legend, and innovator, and all that stuff (true), Ornette Coleman established his own sound on alto sax and then found his own way to play the trumpet and violin. He has composed large group compositions like "Skies of America" and initially started playing his music in small group formats as a way to get his music heard. Composing was always his objective.

On stage tonight was a pared down minimalist group. Pizzicato and arco bass, Ornette's violin (twice briefly) and trumpet (once briefly) sounded, Ornette mostly played alto tonight, this night of music and feelings deeply turning and so definitely blue-toned, wisps of delicacy these alto cries.

Ornette didn't announce tune titles on Saturday, so neither will I.