Change
Andrew Hill · 2007
55 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of avant-garde jazz, blending intricate structures with deep emotional resonance and improvisational flair.
Top tracks — play these first
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Violence — The opening track introduces the album's thematic depth, intertwining dissonant harmonies with a powerful rhythmic foundation that sets the tone for the entire project.
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Hope — This track contrasts the darker themes present in earlier pieces, offering a moment of lyrical beauty through melodic interplay that exemplifies Hill's nuanced approach to composition.
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Desire — The repeated exploration of this theme through two versions shows Hill's artistic vision, with each rendition revealing different facets of emotional complexity and improvisational prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions and improvisation, making it a notable entry in avant-garde jazz.
What we noticed
- The first six tracks each explore a different emotional theme, with varying tempos and complex arrangements that shift throughout.
- Improvisational sections are interspersed within structured compositions, allowing for spontaneous expression while maintaining coherence.
- The last two tracks are alternate takes of earlier pieces, providing a contrasting interpretation rather than new material.
- 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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8/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 emotional explorations
- introspective late-night journeys
- rich textures for deep listening
- gradual builds of tension
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- seek upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Change was Andrew Hill's first studio album since 1999’s Dusk. At this point in his career, Hill was revisiting the recording scene after a period of relative obscurity, marking a significant return to form. The album showcases his unique compositional style, which blends traditional jazz elements with innovative approaches.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Eric Dolphy· Cecil Taylor· Ornette Coleman
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Violence 11:07
- 2 Pain 3:53
- 3 Illusion 5:54
- 4 Hope 7:17
- 5 Lust 5:16
- 6 Desire 6:33
- 7 Violence (alt. tk) 7:02
- 8 Desire (alt. tk) 8:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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