Chants cover

Chants

Craig Taborn · 2013

64 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A mesmerizing blend of avant-garde jazz textures and intricate piano harmonies that challenge conventional forms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    In Chant — This track exemplifies Taborn's ability to weave complex rhythmic patterns with haunting melodies, creating an immersive sonic experience. Its extended length allows for deep exploration of motifs.
  • →
    All True Night / Future Perfect — Spanning nearly thirteen minutes, this piece showcases Taborn's intricate interplay between piano and electronics, illustrating his unique approach to blending acoustic and digital sounds.
  • →
    Speak the Name — This closing track encapsulates the album's themes of introspection and transcendence, featuring a delicate balance of spaciousness and intricate detail that invites listener reflection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
71 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate compositions and unique sound make it a standout in modern jazz, rewarding repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisations, with several tracks exceeding seven minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
  • The piano is frequently accompanied by subtle electronic textures, adding layers of complexity to the sound without overshadowing the acoustic elements.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • intricate piano harmonies that captivate
  • immersive soundscapes for focused listening
  • exploratory journeys through varied textures
  • moments of quiet reflection and

Maybe skip if you

  • want straightforward, catchy tunes
  • prefer fast-paced, energetic music

Where this album fits

Career context
By 2013, Craig Taborn had established himself as a leading figure in the modern jazz scene, building on his earlier work with acclaimed albums like 'Avenging Angel' (2011). 'Chants' represents a significant evolution in his sound, showcasing his compositional depth and improvisational prowess. This album came during a prolific period for Taborn, further solidifying his reputation as an innovative artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Jason Moran· Tigran Hamasyan· Brad Mehldau

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Saints 5:22
  • 2 Beat the Ground 4:03
  • 3 In Chant 8:20
  • 4 Hot Blood 3:52
  • 5 All True Night / Future Perfect 12:46
  • 6 Cracking Hearts 7:08
  • 7 Silver Ghosts 7:36
  • 8 Silver Days or Love 8:23
  • 9 Speak the Name 6:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata