Avenging Angel
Craig Taborn · 2011
72 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A vibrant interplay of avant-garde jazz and improvisational explorations, merging intricate piano with dynamic rhythmic undercurrents.
Top tracks — play these first
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Avenging Angel — The title track embodies the album's thematic depth, blending complex harmonies with haunting melodies that reflect Taborn's unique compositional style.
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This Voice Says So — This piece showcases Taborn's skillful use of silence and space, creating tension that is masterfully released through its intricate interplay of instruments.
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Diamond Turning Dream — With its rhythmic complexity and melodic inventiveness, this track highlights Taborn's ability to merge traditional jazz elements with contemporary sounds.
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Gift Horse / Over the Water — This track features a stunning dialogue between piano and bass, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that defines much of the album's energy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions and dynamic improvisation, marking a significant step in Taborn's artistic evolution.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections where the piano often engages in call-and-response with the rhythm section.
- Several tracks incorporate sudden shifts in dynamics, moving from quiet, introspective moments to intense, frenetic passages.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
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
- dynamic rhythmic explorations throughout album
- cathartic moments of improvisational release
- vibrant interplay of contrasting sounds
- thoughtful listening in quiet spaces
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek easily digestible melodies
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2011, Craig Taborn was establishing himself as a formidable voice in contemporary jazz, following his acclaimed album 'Chasing Spirit' from 2009. 'Avenging Angel' marked his transition into more expansive compositions and collaborative endeavors, showcasing his evolution as both a pianist and bandleader.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jason Moran· Tigran Hamasyan· Brad Mehldau
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Broad Day King 6:16
- 2 Glossolalia 2:45
- 3 Diamond Turning Dream 4:17
- 4 Avenging Angel 6:56
- 5 This Voice Says So 9:44
- 6 Neverland 4:29
- 7 True Life Near 4:30
- 8 Gift Horse / Over the Water 7:37
- 9 A Difficult Thing Said Simply 4:36
- 10 Spirit Hard Knock 4:37
- 11 Neither-Nor 3:19
- 12 Forgetful 7:58
- 13 This Is How You Disappear 5:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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