Colors in Thirty-Third cover

Colors in Thirty-Third

Muhal Richard Abrams · 1987

46 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of improvisation and intricate melodies intertwines, showcasing the innovative spirit of free jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    Drumman Cyrille — This track showcases Abrams' complex rhythmic structures and collaborative improvisation, highlighting the interplay between drums and piano in a dynamic conversation.
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    Soprano Song — Featuring lush harmonies and intricate melodies, this piece exemplifies Abrams' ability to blend traditional jazz elements with avant-garde approaches.
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    Colors in Thirty-Third — The title track encapsulates the album's essence through its bold experimentation with form and texture, inviting listeners into a world of sonic exploration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and distinctive improvisation, marking a significant contribution to free jazz.

What we noticed

  • Each track has a distinct structure, with some pieces like 'Piano-Cello Song' focusing on interplay between instruments while others emphasize rhythmic exploration.
  • The running time of each track varies significantly, with some exceeding ten minutes, allowing for extended improvisational sections.
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
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 rhythms inviting deep focus
  • spontaneous improvisation for adventurous listeners
  • evocative melodies encouraging emotional exploration
  • vibrant soundscapes for creative inspiration

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, predictable structures
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1987, 'Colors in Thirty-Third' marked Muhal Richard Abrams' emergence as a significant voice in the avant-garde jazz scene after his earlier work with the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). This album followed his previous release, 'Afrika/Brass', solidifying his reputation as an innovative composer and pianist focused on expanding jazz's boundaries.
Stylistic neighbors
Anthony Braxton· Sun Ra· Ornette Coleman

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Drumman Cyrille 6:03
  • 2 Miss Richards 5:48
  • 3 Munktmunk 6:28
  • 4 Soprano Song 6:06
  • 5 Piano-Cello Song 8:34
  • 6 Colors in Thirty-Third 6:37
  • 7 Introspection 6:28

What to play next

The Hearinga Suite
Listen next

The Hearinga Suite

1989
Roots of Blue
Go back to

Roots of Blue

1986
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free jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata