Is Compositions 99, 101, 107 & 139 a good place to start with Anthony Braxton?

Yes, Compositions 99, 101, 107 & 139 is recommended as a starting point for new Anthony Braxton listeners. A complex tapestry of avant-garde jazz interwoven with unconventional structures and improvisational freedom. By 1989, Anthony Braxton was already an established figure in avant-garde jazz, having released numerous influential works. This album comes after his notable 'Four Compositions' series, showcasing his continued exploration of extended forms and innovative compositional techniques.

Who is Compositions 99, 101, 107 & 139 for?

Compositions 99, 101, 107 & 139 works well if you're into wave-like pacing with climaxes, immersive listening for focus and spontaneous improvisation exploration.

How many songs are on Compositions 99, 101, 107 & 139?

Compositions 99, 101, 107 & 139 has 8 tracks, running approximately 67 minutes.

Compositions 99, 101, 107 & 139

Anthony Braxton · 1989

67 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A complex tapestry of avant-garde jazz interwoven with unconventional structures and improvisational freedom.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Composition 101 Start here — This track exemplifies Braxton's intricate approach to composition, featuring a blend of structured melodies and spontaneous improvisation that showcases his unique voice.
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Composition 139 — In this piece, Braxton explores a variety of textures and dynamics, highlighting the interplay between written material and free improvisation, essential to understanding his artistic ethos.
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Composition 107: Section A — The opening section introduces listeners to the thematic elements of Composition 107, establishing a framework for the subsequent sections that emphasize rhythm and melodic variation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Braxton's avant-garde approach and complex structures make this a distinctive entry in jazz.

What we noticed

The album features extended compositions that often shift in tempo and structure, allowing for significant improvisational sections.
Several tracks are divided into distinct sections, particularly the five parts of Composition 107, which explore different musical ideas.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

wave-like pacing with climaxes
immersive listening for focus
spontaneous improvisation exploration
gradual development through sections

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Showcases bold experimentation, diverging from his established avant-garde jazz sound.
Themes: avant-garde improvisation· experimental soundscapes· structured chaos
Career context: By 1989, Anthony Braxton was already an established figure in avant-garde jazz, having released numerous influential works. This album comes after his notable 'Four Compositions' series, showcasing his continued exploration of extended forms and innovative compositional techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: Ornette Coleman· Sun Ra· Henry Threadgill