Alto Saxophone Improvisations 1979
Anthony Braxton · 1979
84 min · 13 tracks · jazz
Exploratory improvisations blend avant-garde techniques with jazz traditions, creating a dynamic interplay of sound and silence.
Top tracks — play these first
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Comp. 77 A Start here — Opening the album, this track sets the tone for Braxton's intricate harmonies and bold improvisation, encapsulating his unique approach to composition.
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Giant Steps — Braxton's interpretation of this classic showcases his ability to merge traditional jazz standards with avant-garde techniques, revealing new dimensions in familiar forms.
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Along Came Betty — This track highlights Braxton's fluidity and inventiveness, transforming a recognizable tune into an exploration of rhythm and melody that challenges listener expectations.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalBraxton's improvisational mastery and unique sound make this a standout in avant-garde jazz.
What we noticed
- Each track features extended improvisation, often exploring unconventional techniques such as multiphonics and circular breathing.
- Braxton frequently shifts between different tonalities and dynamics, creating a sense of unpredictability throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- 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
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
- dynamic exploration of improvisation
- wave-like pacing and flow
- thoughtful engagement with sound
- extended listening for deep focus
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer structured, predictable music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — It showcases a pure improvisational approach, pushing jazz boundaries.
- Themes
- avant-garde jazz exploration· dynamic soundscapes· improvisational boldness
- Career context
- By 1979, Anthony Braxton was establishing himself as a leading voice in avant-garde jazz, following his critical breakthrough with the album 'For Alto' in 1969. 'Alto Saxophone Improvisations 1979' represents a continued exploration of his unique compositional language and improvisational style, showcasing his growing influence within the jazz community.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ornette Coleman· Sun Ra· Henry Threadgill
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Comp. 77 A Start here 7:30
- 2 Comp. 77 C 6:25
- 3 Red Top 6:13
- 4 Comp. 77 D 7:30
- 5 Comp. 77 E 4:25
- 6 Comp. 26 F 6:30
- 7 Comp. 77 F 6:19
Disc 2
- 1 Comp. 26 B 6:58
- 2 Along Came Betty 8:00
- 3 Comp. 77 G 5:15
- 4 Comp. 26 E 6:20
- 5 Giant Steps 6:20
- 6 Comp. 77 H 7:00
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Free Jazz: A Collective Improvisation
Ornette Coleman
Explores collective improvisation with dynamic soundscapes and avant-garde techniques.
Ascension
John Coltrane
Shares a bold, exploratory approach to jazz, emphasizing improvisational intensity and sonic experimentation.
Unit Structures
Cecil Taylor
Features intricate improvisation and a complex interplay of sounds, aligning with Braxton's avant-garde ethos.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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