Released 20 years ago
Artist in Residence (album)
Jason Moran · 2006
50 min · 10 tracks · blues
A rich tapestry of jazz textures interwoven with blues influences, creating a contemplative and immersive sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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RAIN — The epic 11-minute piece serves as a centerpiece that encapsulates the album's themes of resilience and introspection, showcasing Moran's innovative approach to improvisation.
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Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing — This track offers a poignant reinterpretation of an iconic hymn, blending reverence with contemporary jazz elements that highlight Moran's cultural commentary.
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Artists Ought to Be Writing — This track stands out for its playful yet incisive critique on the role of artists in society, demonstrating Moran's ability to merge socio-political themes with musical expression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositional elements and skilled performances, blending jazz and blues effectively.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a rhythmic piano motif that is gradually layered with other instruments, creating a dense texture.
- Several tracks feature extended improvisational sections where the piano interacts dynamically with the bass and drums.
- The final track employs a slow build-up, culminating in a reflective conclusion that contrasts with the more energetic pieces earlier in the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- wave-like pacing with climaxes
- immersive storytelling through sound
- headphone detail hunting experience
- reflective moments throughout journey
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Moran's artistic maturation and innovative contributions to contemporary jazz.
- Career context
- Released in 2006, 'Artist in Residence' is Jason Moran's fifth studio album and showcases his maturation as a leading voice in contemporary jazz. Following his acclaimed previous work, 'Same Mother', this album reflects Moran's artistic evolution and his deepening exploration of identity through music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Robert Glasper· Esperanza Spalding· Kris Davis
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Break Down 3:15
- 2 Milestone 3:35
- 3 Refraction 2 3:52
- 4 Cradle Song 4:27
- 5 Artists Ought to Be Writing 3:51
- 6 Refraction 1 6:15
- 7 Arizona Landscape 3:07
- 8 RAIN 11:50
- 9 Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing 4:55
- 10 He Puts on his Coat and Leaves 4:54
What to play next
Ten (Jason Moran album)
2010
Continues the exploration of jazz with fresh textures and deeper improvisation.
Same Mother
2005
Sets the stage with a similar blend of jazz and blues influences.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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