What makes At This Point in Time by Elvin Jones notable?

'At This Point in Time' is significant for its bold exploration of complex time signatures and textures, reflecting the evolving landscape of jazz in the late '90s. The album received critical acclaim, underscoring Jones's influence on future generations of musicians within the post-bop genre. By 1998, Elvin Jones was a renowned figure in jazz, having established his reputation through crucial work with John Coltrane. 'At This Point in Time' came during a prolific period for Jones, following several albums that highlighted his innovative drumming style and compositional skills, solidifying his status as a leader in the jazz scene.

Who is At This Point in Time for?

At This Point in Time works well if you're into steady unfolding of intricate rhythms, immersive journey through improvisation and thoughtful exploration of soundscapes.

How many songs are on At This Point in Time?

At This Point in Time has 7 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

At This Point in Time

Elvin Jones · 1998

59 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of intricate rhythms and rich melodies that showcases the depth of post-bop jazz.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Currents/Pollen — This track exemplifies Jones's ability to blend intricate drum patterns with melodic improvisation, creating a dynamic interplay that defines his approach to rhythm.
→
Whims of Bal — Here, the composition's shifting tempos and thematic development showcase Jones's mastery in transitioning between moods while maintaining cohesion.
→
Don't Cry — Featuring emotive solos and a reflective atmosphere, this track highlights Jones's capacity for nuanced expression within a structured ensemble setting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate rhythms and varied instrumentation highlight Elvin Jones's post-bop jazz mastery.

What we noticed

Each track showcases a different instrumental focus, with varying combinations of drums, piano, and horns throughout.
Several pieces incorporate extended improvisation sections, allowing musicians to explore themes in depth before returning to the main motifs.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

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

steady unfolding of intricate rhythms
immersive journey through improvisation
thoughtful exploration of soundscapes
engaging for attentive listeners

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek standalone catchy singles

Where this album fits

Career context: By 1998, Elvin Jones was a renowned figure in jazz, having established his reputation through crucial work with John Coltrane. 'At This Point in Time' came during a prolific period for Jones, following several albums that highlighted his innovative drumming style and compositional skills, solidifying his status as a leader in the jazz scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Tony Williams· Jack DeJohnette· Max Roach