Conversations II cover

Conversations II

Roscoe Mitchell · 2014

63 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of avant-garde jazz interwoven with intricate improvisations and rich textures that challenge conventional structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Frenzy House — This opening track sets the album's tone with frenetic rhythms and a dynamic interplay between instruments, showcasing Mitchell's mastery of improvisation.
  • →
    Bells in the Wind — The track features a haunting melodic line contrasted with complex rhythmic structures, demonstrating the depth of Mitchell's compositional skills.
  • →
    Fly Over and Stay a While — Closing the album, this piece encapsulates the thematic elements of reflection and longing through its expansive soundscapes and emotive phrasing.

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 improvisation and unique structures that push the boundaries of jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisational sections where musicians frequently shift roles, creating a fluid dynamic throughout the tracks.
  • The use of silence and space is prominent, with moments of stark contrast between dense textures and sparse passages.
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 3/10

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 improvisations that surprise
  • extended pieces for deep focus
  • vibrant textures inviting exploration
  • conversational exchanges in sound

Maybe skip if you

  • seeks straightforward melodic hooks
  • prefers brief, catchy tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
When Roscoe Mitchell released Conversations II in 2014, he was already an esteemed figure in avant-garde jazz, having co-founded the influential Art Ensemble of Chicago. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into spontaneous composition and improvisation, following his last studio album, Conversations I, which was released in 2012.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Frenzy House 6:03
  • 2 Chipper and Bing 10:26
  • 3 Stay Hayfer 5:32
  • 4 They Rode for Them 3:45
  • 5 I’ll See You Out There 5:20
  • 6 Wha-Wha 2:26
  • 7 Bells in the Wind 7:58
  • 8 Shards and Lemons 3:41
  • 9 Just Talking 5:12
  • 10 Next Step 3:32
  • 11 Fly Over and Stay a While 9:42

What to play next

In Pursuit of Magic
Listen next

In Pursuit of Magic

2014
Conversations I
Go back to

Conversations I

2014
Full Roscoe Mitchell discography Artists like Roscoe Mitchell
jazz fusion

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata