What makes Deep by Niacin notable?

The album received positive reviews from critics, praised for its technical proficiency and innovative compositions. It further contributed to the resurgence of instrumental jazz fusion in the late '90s and has influenced contemporary jazz artists exploring similar styles. Released on November 25, 1999, 'Deep' was the third studio album by Niacin, a band formed by celebrated drummer Billy Cobham, bassist John Patitucci, and keyboardist Derek Sherinian. At this point in their career, they were establishing their unique sound within the jazz fusion genre, following their previous albums 'Niacin' (1996) and 'High Bias' (1998), which had solidified their reputation for blending rock elements with jazz improvisation.

Deep works well if you're into wave-like pacing with dynamic peaks, intricate grooves for deep listening and for focused afternoon sessions.

How many songs are on Deep?

Deep has 13 tracks, running approximately 64 minutes.

Deep

Niacin · 1999

64 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A dynamic blend of jazz fusion and improvisational grit, showcasing intricate musicianship and vibrant spontaneity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Best Laid Plans — This track exemplifies the band's ability to fuse complex rhythms with melodic lines, creating a rich sonic tapestry that highlights each member's virtuosity.
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Sugar Blues — Its compelling groove and intricate interplay between instruments showcase Niacin's signature style while paying homage to traditional blues elements.
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Things Ain't Like They Used to Be — The extended format allows for expansive improvisation, featuring a powerful climax that illustrates the band's cohesiveness and individual artistry.

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 combines technical skill with improvisation, making it a notable entry in late '90s jazz fusion.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections, with several tracks exceeding six minutes and allowing for intricate solos.

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

wave-like pacing with dynamic peaks
intricate grooves for deep listening
for focused afternoon sessions
inviting instrumental interplay exploration

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on November 25, 1999, 'Deep' was the third studio album by Niacin, a band formed by celebrated drummer Billy Cobham, bassist John Patitucci, and keyboardist Derek Sherinian. At this point in their career, they were establishing their unique sound within the jazz fusion genre, following their previous albums 'Niacin' (1996) and 'High Bias' (1998), which had solidified their reputation for blending rock elements with jazz improvisation.
Stylistic neighbors: Medeski Martin & Wood· The Bad Plus· Chick Corea Elektric Band

Tracklist

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

1 Swing Swang Swung 3:48
2 Best Laid Plans 4:25
3 Sugar Blues 5:50
4 Stompin' Ground 5:03
5 Blue Mondo 5:56
6 Panic Button 5:37
7 Bootleg Jeans 7:00
8 Mean Streets 5:37
9 This One's Called... 3:46
10 Klunkified 2:58
11 Ratta McQue 3:48
12 Things Ain't Like They Used to Be 7:25
13 Bluesion 3:01

What to play next

Listen next

Time Crunch

2001

Go back to

High Bias

1998

Full Niacin discography Artists like Niacin

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata