Is A Tale of God's Will a good place to start with Terence Blanchard?

Yes, A Tale of God's Will is recommended as a starting point for new Terence Blanchard listeners. A haunting fusion of jazz and orchestral elements, reflecting the pain and resilience following Hurricane Katrina. By 2007, Terence Blanchard had established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, particularly noted for his work in film scoring. 'A Tale of God's Will' is a significant follow-up to his previous album 'Flow,' showcasing his ability to blend jazz with broader musical narratives while addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which profoundly impacted New Orleans.

Who is A Tale of God's Will for?

A Tale of God's Will works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and haunting, reflective moments.

How many songs are on A Tale of God's Will?

A Tale of God's Will has 13 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

A Tale of God's Will

Terence Blanchard · 2007

72 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A haunting fusion of jazz and orchestral elements, reflecting the pain and resilience following Hurricane Katrina.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Levees — This track powerfully depicts the emotional weight of the disaster through its somber melodies and intricate arrangements, encapsulating the collective grief surrounding Katrina's devastation.
→
Ghost of Congo Square Start here — Opening with a vibrant tribute to New Orleans' musical heritage, this piece juxtaposes joy and sorrow, representing the city's resilience amidst tragedy.
→
Funeral Dirge — The solemnity of this track serves as a reflective moment within the album, utilizing minimalist instrumentation to evoke deep mourning while honoring lives lost.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of jazz and orchestral elements creates a unique sound while exploring deep themes of loss.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow, mournful piece that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that incorporate both orchestral and jazz elements.
Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that evolves over the course of the album.
The last three tracks gradually decrease in tempo and intensity, allowing for a contemplative conclusion.

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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
haunting, reflective moments
wave-like pacing and flow

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Addresses cultural themes post-Katrina, showcasing artistic ambition and depth.
Themes: Hurricane Katrina aftermath· New Orleans resilience· collective grief
Career context: By 2007, Terence Blanchard had established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, particularly noted for his work in film scoring. 'A Tale of God's Will' is a significant follow-up to his previous album 'Flow,' showcasing his ability to blend jazz with broader musical narratives while addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which profoundly impacted New Orleans.
Stylistic neighbors: Wynton Marsalis· Roy Hargrove· Kendrick Scott

New to Terence Blanchard? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

In Time of Need

The composition shifts from a quiet reflection to an intense crescendo, mirroring the struggles faced by those affected by the hurricane.

This dynamic transition underscores the urgency and desperation felt during recovery efforts, contrasting moments of stillness with overwhelming emotion.