Released 10 years ago
A Cosmic Rhythm with Each Stroke
Vijay Iyer · 2016
66 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of intricate rhythms and lyrical melodies that evoke a transcendent journey through sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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A Cosmic Rhythm With Each Stroke: All Becomes Alive — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its immersive textures and dynamic interplay between musicians, showcasing Iyer's ability to create an expansive sonic landscape.
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A Cosmic Rhythm With Each Stroke: Labyrinths — With its complex rhythms and rich harmonic structures, this track exemplifies the album's core theme of navigating through intricate musical pathways, reflecting Iyer’s deep jazz roots.
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Marian Anderson — Named after the iconic singer, this track highlights Iyer's lyrical sensitivity and pays homage to artistic resilience, encapsulating the emotional depth that permeates the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate rhythms and seamless transitions create a cohesive and distinctive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a continuous flow of interconnected pieces, with each track transitioning smoothly into the next without significant breaks.
- Rhythmic complexity is prominent, with polyrhythms and syncopation driving the momentum throughout the tracks.
- Melodic lines are often shared between instruments, creating a dialogue rather than a clear lead and accompaniment structure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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9/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- gradual development to climax
- fluid exploration of sound
- evocative rhythmic patterns
- immersive listening in two halves
- thoughtful moments of reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'A Cosmic Rhythm with Each Stroke' was released in 2016, Vijay Iyer had established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz. This album followed his critically acclaimed work on 'Break Stuff' and marked a continued exploration of his unique voice as a composer and pianist. At this point in his career, Iyer was recognized not only for his technical prowess but also for his innovative blending of diverse musical influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jason Moran· Tigran Hamasyan· Kneebody
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Passage 6:15
- 2 A Cosmic Rhythm With Each Stroke: All Becomes Alive 9:09
- 3 A Cosmic Rhythm With Each Stroke: The Empty Mind Receives 4:55
- 4 A Cosmic Rhythm With Each Stroke: Labyrinths 6:43
- 5 A Cosmic Rhythm With Each Stroke: A Divine Courage 9:12
- 6 A Cosmic Rhythm With Each Stroke: Uncut Emeralds 7:43
- 7 A Cosmic Rhythm With Each Stroke: A Cold Fire 5:55
- 8 A Cosmic Rhythm With Each Stroke: Notes on Water 7:58
- 9 Marian Anderson 8:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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