What makes Divine Love by Wadada Leo Smith notable?

This album is significant for its ambitious length and structure, particularly the title track, which exceeds twenty minutes, showcasing Smith's commitment to deep musical exploration. It has been influential in the avant-garde jazz community and has received critical acclaim for its unique fusion of genres, contributing to Smith's reputation as a pioneering artist in jazz. When 'Divine Love' was released in 1979, Wadada Leo Smith was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the avant-garde jazz scene following his debut album 'Mountainscapes' in 1977. This album marked his continued exploration of extended forms and spiritual themes, building on his innovative approach to improvisation and composition.

How many songs are on Divine Love?

Divine Love has 3 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Divine Love

Wadada Leo Smith · 1979

44 min · 3 tracks · jazz

A transcendent blend of avant-garde jazz and spiritual motifs that invites listeners into a meditative soundscape.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Divine Lovwe — Clocking in at over twenty minutes, this track embodies the essence of the album with its expansive improvisation and spiritual depth, setting an introspective mood.
→
Tastalun — This piece introduces a contrasting rhythmic complexity that highlights Smith's ability to weave intricate melodies with emotive brass work.
→
Spirituals: The language of love — This track encapsulates the thematic core of the album, blending traditional elements with avant-garde techniques that reflect on love through a spiritual lens.

Tracklist

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

1 Divine Lovwe 21:50
2 Tastalun 6:42
3 Spirituals: The language of love 15:28

What to play next

Listen next

Spirit Catcher

1979

Go back to

The Mass on the World

1978

Full Wadada Leo Smith discography Where to start with Wadada Leo Smith Artists like Wadada Leo Smith

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata