Black Narcissus cover

Black Narcissus

Sylvie Courvoisier · 2002

58 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A labyrinthine journey through avant-garde jazz, blending intricate melodies with improvisational flair and haunting atmospheres.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Black Narcissus — The title track stands out for its dynamic interplay between structured themes and spontaneous improvisation, embodying the essence of the album's exploratory spirit.
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    Cabbalussa — This piece showcases Courvoisier's ability to weave together intricate piano lines with rich harmonic textures, creating an immersive listening experience.
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    Black Widow — Clocking in at nearly 15 minutes, this track exemplifies the album's experimental nature with its extended form and evolving motifs that challenge traditional jazz structures.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intricate melodies with haunting atmospheres
  • long-form explorations of sound
  • improvisational flair for adventurous listeners
  • thoughtful engagement during quiet moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • want instant gratification from music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2002, Black Narcissus was Sylvie Courvoisier's fifth album, showcasing her evolution as an avant-garde jazz pianist and composer. At this point in her career, Courvoisier was gaining recognition for her innovative approach to jazz, following her work with notable musicians and ensembles that established her voice in the genre.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Children's Hour 3:26
  • 2 Black Narcissus 6:44
  • 3 Willow's Weep 8:11
  • 4 Cabbalussa 7:05
  • 5 Poison Ivy 3:24
  • 6 Black Widow 14:47
  • 7 Legend of Pele 6:02
  • 8 Leda and the Swan 5:37
  • 9 Laughing Medusa 3:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata