What makes Barbeque Dog by Ronald Shannon Jackson notable?

Barbeque Dog received critical acclaim for its bold exploration of jazz fusion, marking a pivotal moment in the genre during the early '80s. The album's distinctive sound has influenced numerous artists within the avant-garde scene, further solidifying Jackson's reputation as a groundbreaking musician. When Ronald Shannon Jackson released Barbeque Dog in 1983, he was establishing himself as a significant force in avant-garde jazz. This album followed his earlier work with the band Last Exit and showcased his transition from traditional jazz to a more experimental approach, highlighting his innovative drumming and compositional skills.

How many songs are on Barbeque Dog?

Barbeque Dog has 8 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Barbeque Dog

Ronald Shannon Jackson · 1983

39 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and avant-garde sounds, blending complex rhythms with expressive improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Barbeque Dog — The title track features driving rhythms and intricate solos that exemplify Jackson's unique fusion style, drawing listeners into his creative vision.
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Harlem Opera — This expansive piece showcases Jackson's innovative use of space and dynamics, creating a theatrical experience that transcends conventional jazz boundaries.
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Trials of an Honest John — With its playful yet complex structure, this track illustrates Jackson's ability to blend humor and sophistication in his compositions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases complex rhythms and improvisation, marking a notable entry in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

Improvisation plays a central role, with musicians frequently trading solos and responding to each other's phrases in real-time.

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

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Barbeque Dog 4:21
2 Trials of an Honest John 3:23
3 Yugo Boy 3:09
4 Say What You Will 3:14
5 Mystery at Dawn 4:38
6 Gossip 5:48
7 When Cherry Trees Bloom in Winter, You Can Smell Last Summer 5:28
8 Harlem Opera 9:02

What to play next

Listen next

Pulse

1984

Go back to

Mandance

1982

Full Ronald Shannon Jackson discography Artists like Ronald Shannon Jackson

jazz fusion

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata