Enrico Rava Quartet cover

Enrico Rava Quartet

Enrico Rava · 1978

41 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A spirited blend of improvisational jazz, steeped in lyrical melodies and intricate harmonies that showcase Rava's trumpet mastery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Lavori casalinghi — This extended piece showcases the quartet’s dynamic interplay, with Rava's fluid trumpet lines weaving through intricate rhythms and harmonies, setting the tone for the album.
  • →
    The Fearless Five — With its brisk tempo and playful motifs, this track highlights the ensemble's tight cohesion while allowing each member to shine through distinct solos.
  • →
    Tramps — The complexity of this composition reflects Rava's compositional prowess, blending rich melodic themes with adventurous improvisation that captures the essence of jazz exploration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate melodies and improvisation, establishing Rava's unique voice in jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of call-and-response between the trumpet and piano, creating a dynamic interplay throughout.
  • Each track varies in tempo and mood, with 'Round About Midnight' introducing a slower, more contemplative section that contrasts sharply with the preceding pieces.
  • The final track, 'Blackmail', incorporates dissonant harmonies that build tension before resolving into a more traditional jazz cadence.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • intricate improvisations that captivate
  • lyrical melodies for reflective moments
  • balance of urgency and calm
  • late-night listening with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer structured, predictable formats
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1978, Enrico Rava had established himself as a prominent figure in the European jazz scene, having released several albums since his debut in the early 1970s. The 'Enrico Rava Quartet' served as a follow-up to his acclaimed album 'Saxofono,' demonstrating his evolving style and commitment to complex arrangements and collaborative interplay.
Stylistic neighbors
Paolo Fresu· Tomasz Stańko· Mark Turner

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Lavori casalinghi 14:44
  • 2 The Fearless Five 4:38
  • 3 Tramps 15:26
  • 4 Round About Midnight 3:44
  • 5 Blackmail 3:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata