What makes Altitude by Joe Morris notable?

Altitude received critical acclaim for its ambitious structure and innovative sound, contributing to Morris's reputation within avant-garde jazz circles. The album highlighted his distinct approach to improvisation and was recognized in various jazz publications for pushing the boundaries of traditional forms. Released in 2012, Altitude marked Joe Morris's continual evolution as a jazz guitarist and composer. Positioned as his third album in a prolific career, it showcases his deepening engagement with experimental jazz and extended forms, following his prior works that established him as a notable figure in the genre.

How many songs are on Altitude?

Altitude has 4 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

Altitude

Joe Morris · 2012

72 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A sprawling exploration of sonic landscapes, merging intricate jazz improvisation with ambient textures across expansive compositions.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Exosphere — As the longest track on the album, Exosphere encapsulates the overarching themes of exploration and improvisation, blending rhythmic complexity with atmospheric soundscapes.
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Thermosphere — This piece stands out for its dynamic interplay between instruments, showcasing Morris's ability to create tension and release through layered compositions.
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Troposphere — Troposphere offers a concise yet impactful journey, highlighting melodic motifs that contrast with the more expansive tracks while maintaining thematic coherence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate improvisation and seamless transitions create a compelling listening experience.

What we noticed

Each track features extended improvisation, often exceeding ten minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
The album employs a layering technique where guitar lines intertwine with ambient textures, creating a dense sonic landscape.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

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 Exosphere 26:21
2 Thermosphere 25:22
3 Troposphere 12:04
4 Mesosphere 8:39

What to play next

Listen next

Balance

2014

Go back to

Traits

2011

Full Joe Morris discography Artists like Joe Morris

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata