Final answer:
Perceptions regarding avant-garde jazz changed during the mid-to-late 1960s due to the emergence of free jazz and fusion, experimentation with new sounds and techniques by influential musicians, and the influence of counterculture movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the mid-to-late 1960s, perceptions regarding avant-garde jazz underwent significant changes. This period witnessed the emergence of free jazz and fusion, which pushed the boundaries of traditional jazz and incorporated elements from other musical genres. Avant-garde jazz became associated with experimentation, improvisation, and a departure from conventional structures and harmonies.
One key figure in this development was saxophonist John Coltrane, whose albums such as 'A Love Supreme' and 'Ascension' showcased his avant-garde approach. Similarly, pianist Cecil Taylor and trumpeter Miles Davis experimented with new sounds and techniques, contributing to the changing perceptions of avant-garde jazz during this time.
This shift in perceptions can be attributed to various factors, including the broader cultural and social changes occurring in the late 1960s. The counterculture movement and the desire for artistic freedom, expression, and exploration influenced the reception and acceptance of avant-garde jazz as an alternative form of music.