What makes Cosmic Lieder by Darius Jones notable?

Cosmic Lieder received praise for its innovative approach to jazz, contributing to the conversation around genre boundaries during the early 2010s. The album's unique blend of traditional jazz elements with experimental techniques garnered attention from critics, solidifying Jones's reputation as a leading voice in contemporary jazz. When Darius Jones released Cosmic Lieder in 2011, he was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, following his acclaimed debut, At a Time (2009). This album marked a significant evolution in his sound, showcasing a deeper exploration of thematic concepts and improvisational techniques that would define his later work.

How many songs are on Cosmic Lieder?

Cosmic Lieder has 13 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Cosmic Lieder

Darius Jones · 2011

39 min · 13 tracks · jazz

An avant-garde fusion of free jazz and contemporary composition that challenges listener expectations with its complex structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bleed — Opening the album with intense saxophone melodies and intricate rhythms, Bleed sets the tone for the exploratory nature of Cosmic Lieder.
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Multiverse — This track exemplifies Jones's ability to weave complex narratives through sound, featuring dynamic shifts and unexpected harmonies that engage listeners deeply.
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Black Lightning — Black Lightning stands out for its minimalist approach and haunting atmosphere, showcasing Jones's skill in creating tension and release within concise timeframes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Cosmic Lieder showcases innovative structures and distinct sound, marking a notable entry in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate unconventional instrumentation, such as the use of prepared piano and electronics alongside traditional jazz instruments.
The first half of the album maintains a more frenetic energy, while the latter half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Bleed 3:07
2 Ultima Thule 4:06
3 Zillo Valla 3:22
4 Multiverse 3:37
5 Mandrakk 3:09
6 Overvoid 2:36
7 Weeja Dell 3:42
8 Motherboxxx 2:43
9 Black Lightning 2:17
10 Nix Uotan 3:03
11 Jonesy 2:20
12 4-D Vision 3:07
13 Geh-Jedollah 2:38

What to play next

Listen next

Grass Roots

2012

Go back to

Big Gurl

2011

Full Darius Jones discography Artists like Darius Jones

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata