Above Blue
Myra Melford · 1999
65 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A meditative fusion of jazz improvisation and contemporary classical textures unfolds across expansive, emotive compositions.
Top tracks — play these first
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Yet Can Spring — This track exemplifies Melford's ability to weave intricate melodies with rich harmonic language, creating a lush soundscape that invites reflection. Its dynamic shifts between tension and release highlight her improvisational skill.
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Above Blue — The title track stands out for its expansive structure and emotional depth, allowing Melford's piano to explore a range of textures while maintaining a central thematic focus. The interplay between instruments captures a sense of serene introspection.
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Through Storm's Embrace — This composition features an evocative build-up that mirrors the title’s imagery, with powerful crescendos and delicate passages that reflect resilience amidst turmoil. It showcases Melford's prowess in creating atmospheric tension.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases innovative jazz compositions with a distinct blend of styles, rewarding repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The album features long, flowing compositions that often exceed six minutes, allowing for extended improvisation.
- The use of silence and space is prominent, with several passages featuring minimalistic playing that emphasizes the emotive quality of the music.
- 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
- meditative moments for reflection
- expansive compositions that unfold
- immersive listening for deep focus
- emotive soundscapes for introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Above Blue is Myra Melford's fourth studio album, released in 1999 during a period of significant artistic exploration. Following her acclaimed album, The Wisdom of Uncertainty, this release showcases her evolving style, incorporating elements of both jazz and avant-garde classical music as she delves deeper into personal expression.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cassandra Wilson· Mary Halvorson· Jason Moran
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 All but Live 4:52
- 2 White Flower Grows in the Quietness 9:47
- 3 Yet Can Spring 8:17
- 4 Here Is Only Moment 5:31
- 5 Above Blue 11:58
- 6 Be Melting Snow 6:56
- 7 Through Storm's Embrace 12:08
- 8 Still in After's Shadow 6:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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