A Different Time
John Medeski · 2013
41 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A contemplative journey blending jazz textures with intimate melodies, creating a reflective ambiance throughout the album.
Top tracks — play these first
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A Different Time — This opening track establishes the album's reflective tone with its delicate piano work and subtle rhythmic changes that invite the listener into Medeski's world.
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Graveyard Fields — With its rich harmonic structure and evocative title, this track encapsulates the blend of melancholy and beauty that runs throughout the album.
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His Eye Is on the Sparrow — Medeski's interpretation of this classic hymn imbues it with a fresh sense of intimacy, transforming it into a personal meditation on faith and resilience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases thoughtful compositions and skilled execution but remains niche within the broader jazz landscape.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of piano as the lead instrument, with layered textures created by subtle electronic elements and occasional percussion.
- Each track maintains a slow to mid-tempo pace, allowing for extended melodic development and improvisation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- contemplative afternoon reflections
- melodic improvisation for focus
- introspective moments of solitude
- gentle soundscapes for winding down
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'A Different Time' was released in 2013, John Medeski had established himself as a key figure in jazz fusion, particularly known for his work with Medeski Martin & Wood. This album marked his first solo outing after several influential years in the scene, showcasing his versatility beyond group dynamics and deeper into personal expression.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Medeski Martin & Wood· Snarky Puppy· The Bad Plus
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Different Time 4:32
- 2 I’m Falling in Love Again 5:43
- 3 His Eye Is on the Sparrow 6:18
- 4 Ran 1:53
- 5 Graveyard Fields 6:06
- 6 Luz Marina 5:34
- 7 Waiting at the Gate 2:30
- 8 Lacrima 3:54
- 9 Otis 4:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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