Evanescence cover

Evanescence

Maria Schneider · 1994

73 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A lush blend of intricate jazz harmonies and expansive orchestration, evoking a dreamlike atmosphere throughout its runtime.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Evanescence — The title track encapsulates the album's ethereal quality, featuring sweeping melodies and rich textures that highlight Schneider's skillful orchestration.
  • →
    Wyrgly — Opening the album, 'Wyrgly' presents complex rhythms and harmonies, setting an ambitious tone that showcases Schneider's pioneering spirit in jazz.
  • →
    Dance You Monster To My Soft Song — 'Dance You Monster To My Soft Song' stands out with its playful yet introspective character, blending intricate instrumental dialogues with emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

Schneider's debut showcases intricate compositions and a distinctive orchestral sound that stands out in jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album features a rich orchestration with layered brass and woodwind sections that create a lush soundscape.
  • Each track varies in tempo and mood, with some pieces like 'Wyrgly' starting with a brisk pace before transitioning to more contemplative sections.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended improvisation, allowing soloists to explore themes while the ensemble maintains harmonic support.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • My Lament

    The passage shifts from reflective melancholy to a more hopeful resolution, signaling a transition within the narrative of loss.

    This structural shift emphasizes the emotional journey, illustrating how the music evolves alongside the lyrical themes of grief and acceptance.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Wyrgly 10:31
  • 2 Evanescence 11:25
  • 3 Gumba Blue 9:04
  • 4 Some Circles 5:54
  • 5 Green Piece 8:10
  • 6 Gush 7:11
  • 7 My Lament 4:55
  • 8 Dance You Monster To My Soft Song 7:32
  • 9 Last Season 8:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata