Eight (+3) Tristano Compositions, 1989: For Warne Marsh
Anthony Braxton · 1990
74 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A complex tapestry of avant-garde jazz intertwining intricate melodies and improvisational freedom with nods to the legacy of Lennie Tristano.
Top tracks — play these first
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Two Not One Start here — This opening track presents a striking interplay between structured composition and spontaneous improvisation, setting the tone for the album's exploration of duality.
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Lennies Pennies — This piece exemplifies Braxton's intricate arrangements while paying tribute to Tristano’s influence, blending melodic lines with rich harmonic textures.
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Victory Ball — The first take of this track reveals Braxton's nuanced approach to rhythm and melody, offering a vibrant showcase of ensemble interaction.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalBraxton's homage to Tristano showcases intricate compositions and improvisation, making it a notable entry in avant-garde jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features a series of compositions that blend intricate melodies with improvisational sections, allowing musicians to explore their creativity within structured frameworks.
- The first half of the album maintains a more energetic pace, while the latter half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces that create a contrasting dynamic.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 exploration
- deep emotional resonance throughout
- improvisational brilliance in moments
- reflective listening for quiet spaces
- dynamic themes across the album
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album departs from traditional jazz, exploring complex structures and improvisation.
- Themes
- avant-garde jazz legacy· improvisational freedom· Lennie Tristano tribute
- Career context
- By the time Anthony Braxton released this album in 1990, he was an established figure in avant-garde jazz. This album followed his notable works in the 1980s, including 'Trio' (with George Lewis and Dave Holland) and marked a continuation of his exploration into extended forms and compositions. It also showcased his ability to blend composition with improvisation, solidifying his position as a unique voice in modern jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ornette Coleman· Sun Ra· Henry Threadgill
Tracklist
- 1 Two Not One Start here 7:20
- 2 317E 32nd Street 8:20
- 3 Dreams 5:46
- 4 Lennies Pennies 9:25
- 5 How Deep is the Ocean 4:47
- 6 Victory Ball 4:50
- 7 Sax of a Kind 4:10
- 8 Lennie Bird 6:30
- 9 Time On My Hands 4:55
- 10 Victory Ball (take 2) 5:12
- 11 Baby 5:15
- 12 April 8:26
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Lennie Tristano
Lennie Tristano
Explores complex melodies and improvisation, echoing the legacy Braxton honors in his compositions.
The Shape of Jazz to Come
Ornette Coleman
Shares a commitment to avant-garde structures and improvisational freedom in melodic exploration.
Equilibrium
Matthew Shipp
Utilizes intricate compositions and free improvisation, reflecting the same avant-garde jazz spirit.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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