What makes Cosmic Nickelodeon by Jemeel Moondoc notable?

Cosmic Nickelodeon received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of styles, highlighting Moondoc's unique approach to jazz that incorporates elements of spirituality. The album has been noted for influencing contemporary jazz musicians seeking to expand their sonic palettes. In 2016, Jemeel Moondoc released Cosmic Nickelodeon as his first album in nearly a decade, following a period of low visibility after his earlier works. This album marked a significant return to form, showcasing his evolution as an artist while maintaining his deep roots in jazz traditions.

How many songs are on Cosmic Nickelodeon?

Cosmic Nickelodeon has 7 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Cosmic Nickelodeon

Jemeel Moondoc · 2016

42 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of avant-garde jazz and traditional spirituals that challenges the boundaries of genre and expression.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Spiritual Medley (Swing Low, Deep River, Wade in the Water) — This track stands out by seamlessly integrating classic spirituals with improvisational jazz, illustrating Moondoc's ability to bridge historical and contemporary musical forms.
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Cosmic Nikelodeon — The title track serves as a sprawling showcase of Moondoc's creative vision, where intricate melodies and rhythms intertwine, creating an expansive sonic landscape.
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Here Now Gone Now — This composition highlights Moondoc's emotive playing style and deep connection to the themes of transience and existence, resonating strongly within the album's overall narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative fusion and improvisational approach mark it as a notable work in contemporary jazz.

What we noticed

Each track features extended improvisation, allowing musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to song structures.

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

Influence 4/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Spiritual Medley (Swing Low, Deep River, Wade in the Water)

The arrangement shifts from solemn reflection to uplifting celebration, creatively blending different tempos and harmonies.

This dynamic transition showcases Moondoc's mastery in manipulating musical intensity, effectively evoking a range of emotional responses.

Tracklist

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

1 Blues for Katie 5:53
2 Spiritual Medley (Swing Low, Deep River, Wade in the Water) 5:31
3 The Founding of a Lost World 5:03
4 Hi‐Lo 5:50
5 Here Now Gone Now 6:15
6 Pizz 2:49
7 Cosmic Nikelodeon 11:21

What to play next

Go back to

The Zookeeper's House

2014

Full Jemeel Moondoc discography Artists like Jemeel Moondoc

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata