What makes Damisi by Harold Land notable?

Damisi is significant for its blending of traditional jazz elements with avant-garde influences, reflecting the evolving sound of the genre during the early 1970s. The album received positive critical reception and helped solidify Land's reputation within the jazz community as an innovator. By the time Harold Land released Damisi in 1972, he had established himself as an accomplished saxophonist, having previously worked with notable artists like Max Roach. This album followed his 1969 release, Earthbound, showcasing a continued exploration of complex arrangements and improvisation.

Damisi works well if you're into vibrant explorations of rhythmic complexity, cascading melodies that invite immersion and dynamic shifts in emotional intensity.

How many songs are on Damisi?

Damisi has 7 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Damisi

Harold Land · 1972

55 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of hard-bop grooves and experimental textures that capture the essence of early 70s jazz innovation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Pakistan — This track stands out for its intricate melodic lines and rhythmic complexity, illustrating Land's skill in weaving various jazz influences into a cohesive piece.
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Damisi — The title track captures the essence of the album with its expansive structure and immersive soundscapes, showcasing Land's bold compositional style.
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Chocolate Mess — This piece features a playful yet sophisticated interplay between instruments, highlighting Land's ability to blend humor with serious musicianship.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends hard-bop with avant-garde elements, showcasing strong compositions and skilled performances.

What we noticed

The first track features a strong, driving rhythm section that sets a hard-bop foundation, while the saxophone weaves intricate melodies over it.
The album includes moments of collective improvisation where all instruments engage in spontaneous dialogue, particularly evident in 'Chocolate Mess' and 'Dark Mood'.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

vibrant explorations of rhythmic complexity
cascading melodies that invite immersion
dynamic shifts in emotional intensity
engaging soundscapes for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, predictable structures
want instant gratification from music

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time Harold Land released Damisi in 1972, he had established himself as an accomplished saxophonist, having previously worked with notable artists like Max Roach. This album followed his 1969 release, Earthbound, showcasing a continued exploration of complex arrangements and improvisation.
Stylistic neighbors: Joe Henderson· Wayne Shorter· Sonny Rollins

Tracklist

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

1 Step Right Up to the Bottom 4:44
2 In the Back, in the Corner, in the Dark 5:53
3 Pakistan 8:00
4 Chocolate Mess 7:34
5 Damisi 9:10
6 Dark Mood 8:51
7 Up and Down 10:50

What to play next

Listen next

Mapenzi

1977

Go back to

A New Shade of Blue

1971

Full Harold Land discography Artists like Harold Land

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata