Expansion
Dave Burrell · 2004
40 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A vibrant tapestry of post-bop jazz intertwining intricate melodies with improvisational freedom and rhythmic complexity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Expansion — The title track serves as a bold introduction, showcasing Burrell's intricate piano lines against dynamic rhythms that set the tone for the entire album.
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Double Heartbeat — This composition features a compelling interplay between melody and rhythm, highlighting Burrell's skillful improvisation and ability to create tension within the piece.
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Cryin’ Out Loud — In this track, Burrell's emotive playing conveys a deep sense of longing, while the interplay with accompanying instruments elevates the emotional weight of the piece.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalExpansion showcases intricate compositions and strong improvisation, solidifying Burrell's place in contemporary jazz.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a complex interplay between piano and bass, establishing a dense rhythmic foundation.
- Each track varies in tempo and mood, with several pieces incorporating sudden shifts in dynamics and improvisational sections.
- The final track employs an extended outro that gradually reduces instrumentation, creating a sense of closure while maintaining tension.
- 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
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 rhythms that invite exploration
- emotive melodies for reflective moments
- varied track lengths maintain engagement
- rich textures for attentive listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeks instant gratification
- prefers straightforward, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When Dave Burrell released Expansion in 2004, he was already an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his innovative piano work. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into avant-garde jazz and post-bop influences, following his earlier works that showcased his unique style and contribution to the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cecil Taylor· Andrew Hill· Sun Ra
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Expansion 4:10
- 2 Double Heartbeat 8:14
- 3 Cryin’ Out Loud 7:43
- 4 They Say It’s Wonderful 6:52
- 5 About Face 5:40
- 6 In the Balance 4:38
- 7 Coup d’etat 3:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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