Released 40 years ago
Five Compositions (Quartet) 1986
Anthony Braxton · 1986
43 min · 5 tracks · jazz
A bold exploration of avant-garde jazz, blending intricate compositions with improvisational flair and a distinctive sonic palette.
Top tracks — play these first
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Composition - No. 131 Start here — This track exemplifies Braxton's signature use of complex time signatures and thematic development, showcasing the quartet's technical prowess while allowing space for improvisation.
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Composition - No. 88 (+ 108C) — The interplay among musicians here highlights Braxton's ability to create a conversation within the ensemble, making it a standout representation of collective improvisation.
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Composition - No. 124 (+ 108D + 96) — With its rich textures and dynamic shifts, this composition illustrates Braxton’s innovative layering techniques and thematic complexity, embodying the album's adventurous spirit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalBraxton's intricate structures and improvisational approach create a unique listening experience in avant-garde jazz.
What we noticed
- Each composition features a distinct structure, often alternating between composed sections and free improvisation.
- Several tracks incorporate overlapping motifs, creating a dense sonic texture that evolves throughout the pieces.
- 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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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- gradual build to climax
- complex interplay of sounds
- focused listening for details
- structured improvisation exploration
Maybe skip if you
- seeking immediate gratification
- prefer straightforward compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a significant exploration of avant-garde jazz, influential in the genre.
- Themes
- avant-garde jazz exploration· collective improvisation dialogue· complex time signatures
- Career context
- By 1986, Anthony Braxton was an established figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, having released numerous albums since his debut in the early 1970s. 'Five Compositions (Quartet) 1986' marked a continuation of his innovative approach to composition and improvisation, displaying mature experimentation in his sound. This album followed his acclaimed work 'Creative Orchestra Music 1976', further solidifying Braxton's reputation as a leading voice in contemporary jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ornette Coleman· Sun Ra· Henry Threadgill
Tracklist
- 1 Composition - No. 131 Start here 7:09
- 2 Composition - No. 88 (+ 108C) 5:55
- 3 Composition - No. 124 (+ 108D + 96) 9:07
- 4 Composition - No. 122 (+ 108 + 96) 9:32
- 5 Composition - No. 131 (+ 31 + 86 + 30) 11:29
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Too Much Sugar for a Dime
Henry Threadgill
Explores intricate compositions and collective improvisation with a distinctive sonic palette.
The Shape of Jazz to Come
Ornette Coleman
Pioneers avant-garde jazz with innovative structures and an emphasis on free improvisation.
Space Is the Place
Sun Ra
Combines complex musical ideas with improvisational freedom, creating an expansive sonic experience.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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