What makes Birth of a Being by David S. Ware notable?

This album is significant for its innovative blend of free jazz and spiritual themes, setting a foundation for Ware's future works and influencing the avant-garde jazz movement. The album received critical acclaim for its bold approach to improvisation and depth, helping to elevate Ware's profile within the genre. Released in 1979, Birth of a Being was David S. Ware's debut album, marking his entrance into the avant-garde jazz scene. At this time, Ware was establishing his unique voice as a saxophonist and composer, drawing from influences like John Coltrane while carving out a distinct path for his artistry.

Who is Birth of a Being for?

Birth of a Being works well if you're into wave-like pacing for deep focus, immersive journey through soundscapes and spiritual overtones for introspection.

How many songs are on Birth of a Being?

Birth of a Being has 9 tracks, running approximately 105 minutes.

Birth of a Being

David S. Ware · 1979

105 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A cosmic journey through avant-garde jazz, combining complex improvisation with spiritual undertones and a deep sense of exploration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Prayer — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its meditative quality and intricate saxophone melodies, showcasing Ware's technical prowess and spiritual focus.
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Cry — This piece highlights an emotional intensity that resonates throughout the record, featuring powerful improvisational sections that reveal the raw energy of the ensemble.
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Stop Time — A compelling exploration of rhythmic complexities, this track exemplifies Ware's ability to merge structured chaos with lyrical expression, pushing the boundaries of jazz.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong thematic development and skilled improvisation, marking a significant debut in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections, with tracks often exceeding six minutes and shifting dynamics throughout.
Each piece is structured around a central theme, allowing for exploration while maintaining coherence.
The use of silence and space is prominent, creating a meditative quality that invites deep listening.

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: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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

wave-like pacing for deep focus
immersive journey through soundscapes
spiritual overtones for introspection
dynamic exploration of musical themes

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, catchy tunes
seek concise listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1979, Birth of a Being was David S. Ware's debut album, marking his entrance into the avant-garde jazz scene. At this time, Ware was establishing his unique voice as a saxophonist and composer, drawing from influences like John Coltrane while carving out a distinct path for his artistry.
Stylistic neighbors: Matthew Shipp· Sun Ra· Ornette Coleman