What makes All Our Reasons by Billy Hart notable?

This album received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of modern jazz elements with traditional influences, showcasing Hart's skills as both a drummer and composer. It has been noted for revitalizing interest in Hart's work and solidifying his legacy within the jazz community. Released in 2012, All Our Reasons is Billy Hart's first studio album in over a decade, following his 2005 record, The Other Side. At this point in his career, Hart was transitioning back into the spotlight after a period focused on teaching and collaborating with younger musicians.

How many songs are on All Our Reasons?

All Our Reasons has 9 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

All Our Reasons

Billy Hart · 2012

59 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A polyrhythmic exploration of jazz that intertwines intricate melodies with soulful improvisation and vibrant textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Song for Balkis — The opening track serves as an expansive introduction to the album's thematic depth, featuring intricate rhythms that highlight Hart’s drumming alongside lush harmonies.
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Ohnedaruth — This piece showcases a dynamic interplay between the ensemble members, demonstrating Hart’s ability to weave complex arrangements seamlessly while maintaining a fluid groove.
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Duchess — With its elegant composition and subtle shifts in dynamics, this track encapsulates the album's overall aesthetic of blending sophistication with heartfelt expression.

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 blends intricate melodies and improvisation, showcasing Hart's compositional skills and revitalizing his career.

What we noticed

Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes in depth.
Melodic lines often intertwine between instruments, with no single instrument dominating for long periods.

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 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Song for Balkis 12:53
2 Ohnedaruth 6:05
3 Troli's Dance 5:31
4 Nostalgia for the Impossible 5:53
5 Duchess 6:33
6 Nigeria 7:54
7 Wasteland 7:12
8 Old Wood 1:42
9 Imke's March 5:48

What to play next

Listen next

One Is the Other

2014

Go back to

Sixty-Eight

2011

Full Billy Hart discography Artists like Billy Hart

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata