What makes 3 x 4 Eye by Roscoe Mitchell notable?

This album is significant for its experimental nature and contribution to the avant-garde jazz movement, influencing a generation of musicians seeking to push the boundaries of jazz. It received positive critical reception for its complex structures and improvisational elements, further cementing Mitchell's reputation as a pioneering artist. By 1981, Roscoe Mitchell was an established figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, having co-founded the influential Art Ensemble of Chicago. '3 x 4 Eye' represents his continued evolution as a solo artist following the group's rise to prominence and showcases his innovative approach to jazz composition.

How many songs are on 3 x 4 Eye?

3 x 4 Eye has 4 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

3 x 4 Eye

Roscoe Mitchell · 1981

40 min · 4 tracks · jazz

Exploratory jazz textures intertwine with avant-garde structures, creating a sonic landscape that challenges traditional boundaries of composition.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cut Outs for Quintet — This lengthy piece exemplifies Mitchell's intricate compositional techniques, blending structured sections with free improvisation that reflects his avant-garde ethos.
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3 x 4 Eye — The title track encapsulates the album's exploratory spirit, featuring diverse instrumental dialogue and showcasing Mitchell’s mastery of rhythm and melody.
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Variations on a Folk Song Written in the Sixties — This track stands out for its reinterpretation of familiar themes through a contemporary lens, highlighting Mitchell's ability to weave traditional influences into modern jazz.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative structures and textures, marking it as a notable entry in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

The final track incorporates elements of folk music, contrasting with the avant-garde textures present in earlier pieces.

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: 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Cut Outs for Quintet 17:17
2 Jo Jar 4:40
3 3 x 4 Eye 12:11
4 Variations on a Folk Song Written in the Sixties 6:44

What to play next

Listen next

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1981

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata