Released 30 years ago
Gravity
Jesse Cook · 1996
46 min · 11 tracks · world music
A vibrant fusion of flamenco rhythms and jazz improvisation creates an immersive soundscape that dances between tradition and innovation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Gravity — The title track encapsulates the album’s spirit with its rhythmic complexity and melodic depth, blending traditional flamenco elements with contemporary jazz aesthetics.
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Closer to Madness — This track showcases Cook's virtuosic guitar skills and features a dynamic interplay between fast-paced rhythms and haunting melodies that highlight the emotional range of the album.
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Olodum — Incorporating Afro-Brazilian rhythms, this track exemplifies Cook's ability to merge different cultural sounds into a cohesive and engaging musical narrative.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Gravity showcases intricate compositions and skilled performances, blending diverse influences into a cohesive sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong flamenco guitar motif in 'Mario Takes a Walk', establishing a rhythmic foundation that recurs throughout.
- Tracks like 'Gravity' and 'Closer to Madness' feature extended improvisational sections, allowing for dynamic shifts in tempo and mood.
- Several tracks incorporate percussive elements from various cultures, blending them seamlessly with jazz and flamenco influences.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- vibrant rhythms for celebration
- immersive soundscapes for exploration
- playful melodies that invite movement
- cathartic energy for dance
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1996, Gravity was Jesse Cook's second studio album, following his debut, Tempest, which had already established him as a significant voice in world music. This album further solidified his reputation, showcasing his unique blend of acoustic guitar with various international influences, marking a crucial step in his artistic evolution.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ottmar Liebert· Govi· Armik
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mario Takes a Walk 3:49
- 2 Azul 4:18
- 3 Gravity 3:59
- 4 Closer to Madness 5:51
- 5 Into the Dark 4:17
- 6 Brio 3:18
- 7 Falling From Grace 3:35
- 8 Olodum 3:36
- 9 Rapture 4:25
- 10 Gipsy 2:31
- 11 Luna Llena 6:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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