Broken Shadows
Ornette Coleman · 1982
50 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A contemplative blend of free jazz and melodic improvisation that showcases Ornette Coleman's innovative spirit and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Happy House Start here — This opening track features an expansive structure that allows Coleman’s saxophone to weave through intricate harmonic landscapes, setting the tone for the entire album.
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Elizabeth — With its haunting melodies and rich textures, this piece exemplifies Coleman's ability to balance emotional depth with avant-garde experimentation.
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Broken Shadows — The title track stands out for its reflective nature, blending lyrical phrases with rhythmic complexities that highlight Coleman's unique approach to jazz.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong melodic improvisation and distinct dynamics, contributing to its unique sound within the jazz genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of melodic improvisation, with each track allowing for extended solos that explore variations on central themes.
- Tracks often shift dynamics abruptly, with sudden transitions between quiet, contemplative passages and more intense, frenetic sections.
- 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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6/10
- 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
- gradual development with resolution
- haunting melodies for introspection
- steady pacing for deep focus
- emotional depth in each track
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- seek standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Released later in his career, it showcases continued innovation and emotional depth.
- Career context
- By the time 'Broken Shadows' was released in 1982, Ornette Coleman had already established himself as a pioneering figure in jazz, having introduced free jazz with albums like 'The Shape of Jazz to Come' in 1959. This album marked a return to the studio after several years, during which he explored various musical projects, including film scores and collaborations, signaling a period of renewed creative exploration.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Albert Ayler· John Coltrane· Cecil Taylor
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Good Girl Blues
The narrative perspective shifts from a reflective tone to direct address, creating an intimate connection with the listener.
This structural choice deepens the emotional impact by inviting listeners into a personal dialogue rather than maintaining narrative distance.
Tracklist
- 1 Happy House Start here 9:45
- 2 Elizabeth 10:24
- 3 School Work 5:38
- 4 Country Town Blues 6:23
- 5 Broken Shadows 6:40
- 6 Rubber Gloves 3:22
- 7 Good Girl Blues 3:03
- 8 Is It Forever 4:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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