Four Ways cover

Four Ways

Roscoe Mitchell · 2017

62 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A daring exploration of improvisational jazz, melding intricate rhythms with spontaneous creativity across diverse sonic landscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Improvisation No. 1 — This track exemplifies the spontaneous nature of the album, showcasing Mitchell's ability to create complex dialogues among instruments without a predetermined structure.
  • →
    Cards for Yuganaut No. 2 — Highlighting rich textures and unexpected shifts in dynamics, this piece illustrates how collective improvisation can evoke deep emotional responses.
  • →
    Four Ways for Yuganaut and Roscoe Mitchell — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album's exploration of varied improvisational styles, serving as a centerpiece that brings together themes from earlier tracks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
79 /100
Summit
Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate improvisation and seamless transitions, marking it as a standout in contemporary jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album features a series of improvisational pieces, each with distinct rhythmic patterns and textures that evolve throughout their duration.
  • Tracks often transition seamlessly into one another, creating a continuous flow that emphasizes spontaneity and collective interaction among the musicians.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • intricate rhythms inviting deep focus
  • spontaneous creativity for adventurous listeners
  • extended tracks for patient exploration
  • immersive soundscapes for meditative states

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, structured pieces
  • seek quick, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2017, 'Four Ways' is a significant work in Roscoe Mitchell's extensive discography, coming after decades of innovative contributions to avant-garde jazz. This album showcases his mastery of improvisation and collaboration, particularly following his tenure with the Art Ensemble of Chicago, marking another evolution in his personal style and artistic expression.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Double Helix 4:54
  • 2 Improvisation No. 1 5:58
  • 3 Improvisation No. 2 3:13
  • 4 Improvisation No. 3 4:14
  • 5 Cards for Yuganaut No. 1 7:33
  • 6 Cards for Yuganaut No. 2 9:49
  • 7 Cards for Yuganaut No. 3 8:06
  • 8 Four Ways for Yuganaut and Roscoe Mitchell 10:58
  • 9 Son Warship 7:53

What to play next

Discussions
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Discussions

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata