Elastic
Joshua Redman · 2002
69 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of post-bop energy and intricate melodies that showcase a compelling interplay between improvisation and composition.
Top tracks — play these first
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Jazz Crimes — This track exemplifies Redman's intricate compositional style, featuring rapid exchanges between instruments that highlight the ensemble's chemistry and virtuosity.
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Still Pushin' That Rock — The song's driving rhythm and dynamic shifts encapsulate the album's spirit of resilience and exploration, making it a standout moment.
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Oumou — With its melodic richness and emotive undertones, this track demonstrates Redman's ability to weave storytelling into his improvisational framework.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalElastic showcases complex melodies and improvisation, making it a notable entry in contemporary jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate melodies that often shift unexpectedly, creating a dynamic interplay between the musicians.
- Several tracks incorporate extended improvisational sections, allowing for spontaneous exploration of themes.
- The first half of the album maintains a brisk tempo, while the second half introduces more contemplative pieces, altering the overall energy.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- dynamic exploration of soundscapes
- wave-like pacing with resolution
- immersive improvisation and composition
- vibrant energy for thoughtful listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, instant gratification
- seek short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2002, Elastic is Joshua Redman's fifth studio album, following his acclaimed work Beyond. By this point in his career, Redman had established himself as a leading voice in contemporary jazz, blending traditional influences with modern sensibilities. His continued exploration of diverse sounds on this album further solidified his innovative approach to jazz music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brad Mehldau· Chris Potter· Kurt Rosenwinkel
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Molten Soul 8:10
- 2 Jazz Crimes 6:43
- 3 The Long Way Home 5:43
- 4 Oumou 3:42
- 5 Still Pushin' That Rock 8:27
- 6 Can a Good Thing Last Forever? 6:18
- 7 Boogielastic 7:55
- 8 Unknowing 3:28
- 9 News From the Front 5:57
- 10 Letting Go 5:07
- 11 The Birthday Song (intro) 2:43
- 12 The Birthday Song 5:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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