check out Evan Parker, a british sax player, part of the 'free improvisation' movement (mostly european) from way back but who has recently matured into a truly innovative (and finally listenable) artist. Look for: Solar Wind, Breaths and Heartbeats, Obliquities, and Drawn Inward.
I would also recommend The Art Ensemble of Chicago's late 60's into early 70's work. This stuff is being rereleased now for a good reason - their stuff is incredibly creative and the musicianship is astounding (I think their bassist is one of the best ever)
And don't forget to wade into the humongous Sun Ra catalog - his sax player, John Gilmore, is one of the greatest ever. He never pursued a solo career (which he could have anytime he chose) because of his loyalty to Sun Ra (RIP) himself.
The best jazz has always been challenging to the status quo. If it sounds 'difficult', that may just mean you need to stretch your mind a little. Somewhere along the line, jazz became background music, makeout music, etc. Fortunately, the abundance of small labels and ease of self-producing CDs is keeping interesting music alive and vital. You just need to seek it out!
I would also recommend The Art Ensemble of Chicago's late 60's into early 70's work. This stuff is being rereleased now for a good reason - their stuff is incredibly creative and the musicianship is astounding (I think their bassist is one of the best ever)
And don't forget to wade into the humongous Sun Ra catalog - his sax player, John Gilmore, is one of the greatest ever. He never pursued a solo career (which he could have anytime he chose) because of his loyalty to Sun Ra (RIP) himself.
The best jazz has always been challenging to the status quo. If it sounds 'difficult', that may just mean you need to stretch your mind a little. Somewhere along the line, jazz became background music, makeout music, etc. Fortunately, the abundance of small labels and ease of self-producing CDs is keeping interesting music alive and vital. You just need to seek it out!