Eric Dolphy - Out to Lunch! (1964)

Even more avant-garde and perplexing than Ornette Coleman's aforementioned piece, Out to Lunch! is about as odd as jazz can get without the electronic sounds prevalent on late 60's/70's fusion. It's weirdness is the main appeal, but to actually follow what's going on is akin to a rat trying to find its way out of a maze (at least for those like me who are quite new to free jazz). Upon my first listen, I can already begin to see why it's so highly regarded by music critics and fans. This album would be a perfect next step after The Shape of Jazz to Come.
9/10