What makes Emergence by Whit Dickey notable?

Emergence received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to jazz improvisation, contributing to a resurgence of interest in avant-garde jazz. The album's standout tracks have been noted for their complexity and depth, earning positive reviews from influential jazz critics and publications. Released in 2009, Emergence is Whit Dickey's follow-up to his 2006 album, which showcased his evolution as a bandleader. At this point in his career, Dickey was solidifying his reputation within the avant-garde jazz scene, blending post-bop influences with exploratory soundscapes.

How many songs are on Emergence?

Emergence has 8 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Emergence

Whit Dickey · 2009

59 min · 8 tracks · jazz

An expansive exploration of texture and rhythm, weaving intricate improvisations with a meditative ambiance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Conversation — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its conversational interplay between instruments, highlighting Dickey's focus on collective improvisation.
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A Melding — In this piece, the seamless integration of various musical ideas exemplifies the album’s core theme of unity amidst diversity in sound.
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Learning to Crawl — This track features a dynamic progression that captures the essence of growth and exploration inherent in Dickey's artistic vision.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate improvisation and a cohesive sound, marking it as a notable entry in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks, with several pieces exceeding seven minutes, allowing for deep improvisational exploration.
The instrumentation often shifts focus between individual musicians, highlighting their improvisational skills while maintaining a cohesive sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Conversation 6:03
2 A Melding 8:40
3 Mobile 7:36
4 Learning to Crawl 6:02
5 Rocker 5:54
6 Twirls 10:13
7 Last Taste 7:49
8 Plum Blossom 7:07

What to play next

Listen next

Fierce Silence

2016

Go back to

Sacred Ground

2006

Full Whit Dickey discography Artists like Whit Dickey

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata