A Rift in Decorum
Ambrose Akinmusire · 2017
116 min · 16 tracks · jazz
A sonic exploration where intricate jazz melodies intertwine with poignant narratives, creating a reflective auditory journey.
Top tracks — play these first
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Maurice & Michael (Sorry I Didn't Say Hello) — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its expansive length and emotional depth, blending complex trumpet lines with introspective themes.
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Trumpet Sketch (Milky Pete) — With its lengthy improvisational sections, this piece showcases Akinmusire's virtuosic trumpet skills while exploring themes of memory and nostalgia.
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Moment in Between the Rest (To Curve an Ache) — This track exemplifies the album's narrative focus, weaving together lyrical motifs with rich harmonic textures to evoke a sense of longing.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalAkinmusire's intricate compositions and blend of spoken word create a unique jazz experience.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, blending narrative with musical improvisation.
- The first half of the album maintains a more energetic tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- intricate narratives that unfold slowly
- immersive soundscapes for deep focus
- patient exploration of emotional landscapes
- rich textures for headphone listening
- long tracks inviting contemplative engagement
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of quick gratification
- prefer upbeat, short compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2017, 'A Rift in Decorum' is Ambrose Akinmusire's third studio album, following his critically acclaimed 'The Imagined Savior is Far Easier to Paint' from 2013. At this point, Akinmusire was solidifying his unique voice in contemporary jazz, moving beyond traditional boundaries and incorporating personal storytelling into his compositions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kendrick Scott· Esperanza Spalding· Marcus Strickland
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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First Page (Shabnam's Poem)
The lyrics shift from abstract imagery to a direct appeal for connection during a moment of vulnerability.
This transition creates a stark contrast that emphasizes the emotional weight of reaching out amidst uncertainty.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Maurice & Michael (Sorry I Didn't Say Hello) 12:29
- 2 Response 5:37
- 3 Moment in Between the Rest (To Curve an Ache) 9:42
- 4 Brooklyn (ODB) 9:45
- 5 A Song to Exale To (Diver Song) 6:41
- 6 Purple (Intermezzo) 2:03
- 7 Trumpet Sketch (Milky Pete) 14:20
- 8 Taymoor's World 10:31
- 9 First Page (Shabnam's Poem) 7:46
- 10 H.A.M.S. (In The Spirit Of Honesty) 5:12
- 11 Piano Sketch (Sam Intro) 3:31
- 12 Piano Sketch (Beyond Enclosure) 4:48
- 13 Condor (Harish Intro) 2:14
- 14 Condor 5:48
- 15 Withered 8:26
- 16 Umteyo 7:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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