What makes 1-OQA+19 by Muhal Richard Abrams notable?

This album is significant for its role in shaping the direction of free jazz in the late 1970s, showcasing Abrams' unique approach to composition and improvisation. It received critical acclaim, helping to elevate the profiles of both Abrams and the Black Saint label within the jazz community. Released in 1978, '1-OQA+19' marked Muhal Richard Abrams' first album on the prestigious Black Saint label. At this point in his career, Abrams had already established himself as a pivotal figure in the Chicago avant-garde jazz scene, known for his innovative compositions and collaborations with other influential artists.

1-OQA+19 works well if you're into thought-provoking sound explorations, immersive listening for concentration and unexpected twists and turns.

How many songs are on 1-OQA+19?

1-OQA+19 has 5 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

1-OQA+19

Muhal Richard Abrams · 1978

41 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A boundary-pushing exploration of free jazz, blending intricate melodies with avant-garde improvisation and rhythmic experimentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Charlie in the Parker — This track serves as a tribute to Charlie Parker, featuring complex harmonies and a vibrant interplay between musicians that captures the essence of Abrams' style.
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Balladi — With its lyrical quality and emotive depth, 'Balladi' highlights Abrams' ability to weave intricate narratives through music, showcasing his compositional skills.
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Arhythm Song — 'Arhythm Song' exemplifies Abrams' experimental spirit, utilizing unconventional time signatures and rhythms that challenge traditional jazz forms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

69 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and bold improvisation, marking it as a distinctive entry in free jazz.

What we noticed

The album features five tracks, each varying in length and structure, with improvisation taking precedence over traditional forms.
The first track opens with a complex melody that is gradually deconstructed through improvisation, leading into more abstract sections.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

thought-provoking sound explorations
immersive listening for concentration
unexpected twists and turns
dynamic interplay between musicians

Maybe skip if you

seekers of straightforward melodies
prefer predictable song structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1978, '1-OQA+19' marked Muhal Richard Abrams' first album on the prestigious Black Saint label. At this point in his career, Abrams had already established himself as a pivotal figure in the Chicago avant-garde jazz scene, known for his innovative compositions and collaborations with other influential artists.
Stylistic neighbors: Anthony Braxton· Sun Ra· Ornette Coleman

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Charlie in the Parker 9:05
2 Balladi 9:07
3 Arhythm Song 8:53
4 OQA 6:58
5 RITOB 7:49

What to play next

Listen next

Lifea Blinec

1978

Go back to

Sightsong

1976

Full Muhal Richard Abrams discography Artists like Muhal Richard Abrams

free jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata