Chapter Four: Alive in New York cover

Chapter Four: Alive in New York

Gato Barbieri

43 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of Latin rhythms and soulful saxophone melodies creates an intoxicating atmosphere that captures the essence of live jazz.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Milonga triste Start here — This opening track sets a poignant tone with its melancholic melodies and rich saxophone lines that evoke deep emotional resonance, showcasing Barbieri's lyrical playing style.
  • →
    La china leoncia, Part 1 — The first part of this multi-section piece introduces intricate rhythms and vibrant horn arrangements that highlight Barbieri's virtuosic technique and improvisational flair.
  • →
    Baihia — As one of the longer tracks on the album, Baihia explores extended improvisation and intricate harmonies, illustrating the synergy between Barbieri’s saxophone and the accompanying band.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's flowing structure and varied sections create a cohesive yet dynamic jazz experience.

What we noticed

  • The use of saxophone melodies is prominent, often layered with rich brass and percussion arrangements that enhance the overall texture.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

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 pacing with emotional depth
  • long immersive listening experiences
  • rich textures for attentive listeners
  • captivating narratives through instrumental journeys

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
  • want short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album helped establish Gato Barbieri's reputation and broadened his audience.
Themes
New York jazz scene· Latin rhythms· live improvisation
Career context
Released in 1973, Chapter Four: Alive in New York marked Gato Barbieri's transition into a prominent figure in the Latin jazz scene following his breakthrough with the album 'The Wind Crying Mary' just a year prior. This album showcased his ability to blend traditional South American sounds with contemporary jazz influences, solidifying his reputation as an innovative artist.

Tracklist

  • 1 Milonga triste Start here 6:30
  • 2 La china leoncia, Part 1 3:24
  • 3 La china leoncia, Part 2 4:09
  • 4 La china leoncia, Part 3 3:57
  • 5 La china leoncia, Part 4 4:16
  • 6 Baihia 10:50
  • 7 Lluvia azul 9:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata