Closer to the Ground
Fred Frith · 2018
50 min · 9 tracks · jazz fusion
An intricate tapestry of avant-garde jazz and rock, weaving complex melodies with improvisational flair.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Bones to Pick with Graveyards — This opening track sets a compelling tone for the album with its rhythmic complexity and engaging sonic textures, showcasing Frith's signature guitar work.
-
→
Stars like Trees — This piece highlights Frith's ability to blend melodic elements with abstract structures, creating an evocative atmosphere that resonates throughout the album.
-
→
Love and Other Embers — With its lengthy exploration of themes through both lyrical and instrumental passages, this track exemplifies the emotional depth and creativity present in Frith’s work.
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 skilled improvisation, making it a notable entry in contemporary jazz fusion.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections that allow musicians to explore themes without strict adherence to traditional song structures.
- Each track varies significantly in tempo and mood, with some pieces maintaining a steady rhythm while others delve into free-form exploration.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
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
- steady pacing with introspective moments
- meditative atmosphere for deep listening
- consistent progression towards emotional climax
- reflective soundscapes for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
- enjoy standalone hits over cohesion
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2018, Closer to the Ground marks Fred Frith's continued exploration of experimental soundscapes, following his acclaimed work with the Fred Frith Trio. By this point in his career, he had established a reputation as a pioneering figure in avant-garde music, showcasing his unique approach to composition and improvisation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Henry Cow· Robert Wyatt· Can
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Love and Other Embers
The narrative shifts from personal reflection to broader social commentary within the lyrics.
This shift expands the scope of the song, connecting private experiences to collective issues, enhancing its thematic complexity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bones to Pick with Graveyards 5:16
- 2 Alle planmässigen Ziele werden erreicht 5:06
- 3 In the Grip of It 4:56
- 4 Ruhebereich 6:23
- 5 Stars like Trees 5:55
- 6 A Path Made by Walking 6:49
- 7 Betting on the World 2:39
- 8 Love and Other Embers 7:34
- 9 Up in Smoke 6:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.