Is 19 Standards (Quartet) 2003 a good place to start with Anthony Braxton?

Yes, 19 Standards (Quartet) 2003 is recommended as a starting point for new Anthony Braxton listeners. A labyrinthine exploration of jazz standards, blending improvisation with meticulous arrangement that transcends traditional boundaries. Released in 2010, 19 Standards (Quartet) is a notable entry in Anthony Braxton's extensive discography, following a prolific period of experimentation. By this time, Braxton had established himself as a pioneering figure in avant-garde jazz, and this album showcases his continued commitment to reinterpretation and collaboration within the genre.

Who is 19 Standards (Quartet) 2003 for?

19 Standards (Quartet) 2003 works well if you're into extended exploration of standards, wave-like pacing with improvisation and deep emotional resonance throughout.

How many songs are on 19 Standards (Quartet) 2003?

19 Standards (Quartet) 2003 has 19 tracks, running approximately 270 minutes.

19 Standards (Quartet) 2003

Anthony Braxton · 2010

270 min · 19 tracks · jazz

A labyrinthine exploration of jazz standards, blending improvisation with meticulous arrangement that transcends traditional boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Four Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Body and Soul — This interpretation transforms a well-known standard into an expansive exploration of emotion and texture, showcasing Braxton's mastery of both melody and improvisation.
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Afro Blue — Braxton’s rendition infuses the piece with a fresh rhythmic complexity, highlighting his ability to reinvent jazz classics through intricate arrangements.
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Ruby My Dear — In this track, Braxton’s approach melds delicate piano lines with rich harmonics, creating a haunting atmosphere that pays homage while pushing boundaries.
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Like Someone in Love — This version features a nuanced dialogue between instruments, exemplifying Braxton’s skill in developing conversational interplay within a familiar framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Braxton's innovative approach to jazz standards showcases strong composition and craft, though cohesion dips due to the varied nature of the tracks.

What we noticed

Braxton's quartet employs varied instrumentation, often shifting between melodic lines and free-form sections within the same track.

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

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

extended exploration of standards
wave-like pacing with improvisation
deep emotional resonance throughout
intimate listening for reflection
complex arrangements for attentive ears

Maybe skip if you

seeking quick, catchy tunes
prefer structured song formats

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Ambitious exploration of jazz standards, reflecting Braxton's innovative techniques.
Themes: jazz reinterpretation· emotional texture· avant-garde improvisation
Career context: Released in 2010, 19 Standards (Quartet) is a notable entry in Anthony Braxton's extensive discography, following a prolific period of experimentation. By this time, Braxton had established himself as a pioneering figure in avant-garde jazz, and this album showcases his continued commitment to reinterpretation and collaboration within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Ornette Coleman· Sun Ra· Henry Threadgill