Brother John cover

Brother John

Elvin Jones · 1984

41 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of post-bop rhythms interwoven with expressive solos, creating an intricate dialogue between the musicians.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Necessary Evil — This track opens the album with a compelling groove that sets the tone for the entire project, showcasing Jones's dynamic drumming style.
  • →
    Brother John — The title track serves as a heartfelt tribute, featuring intricate melodies and demonstrating an emotional depth that resonates throughout the album.
  • →
    Whatever Possessed Me — This composition stands out due to its complex structure and improvisational flair, highlighting both Jones's skills and those of his ensemble.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for focused listening
  • intricate melodies to explore deeply
  • emotional undertones for reflective moments
  • consistent development throughout experience

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer standalone track variety

Where this album fits

Career context
In 1984, Elvin Jones was a celebrated jazz drummer known for his work with the John Coltrane Quartet. 'Brother John' marked his return to the music scene after a period of relative quiet in the late 1970s and early 1980s, showcasing his evolution as a bandleader and composer while retaining his signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Tony Williams· Jack DeJohnette· Max Roach

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Necessary Evil 4:11
  • 2 October's Child 5:19
  • 3 Harmonique 4:54
  • 4 Whatever Possessed Me 6:12
  • 5 Familiar Ground 4:28
  • 6 Why Try to Change Me Now 5:59
  • 7 Minor Blues 6:20
  • 8 Brother John 4:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata