Hear & Now
Don Cherry · 1977
45 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of free jazz and world music, blending spiritual themes with intricate improvisation and eclectic instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mahakali — This opening track showcases Cherry's ability to meld intricate rhythms with spiritual undertones, setting the stage for the album's thematic exploration.
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Universal Mother — In this piece, Cherry employs a rich tapestry of sounds that reflect both tenderness and strength, embodying the album's overarching themes of unity and healing.
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Journey to Milarepa / Shanti / The Ending Movement-Liberation — The closing track encapsulates the album’s spiritual journey through its extended composition, blending improvisation with a sense of resolution that resonates with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong improvisation and unique blends of styles, making it distinct yet cohesive in its exploration.
What we noticed
- Tracks often shift dynamics and tempo abruptly, reflecting the improvisational nature of the performances.
- Several pieces incorporate extended instrumental sections where musicians engage in spontaneous dialogue, emphasizing collective improvisation.
- 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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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
- kaleidoscopic sound exploration
- immersive journey through cultures
- meditative yet dynamic shifts
- spontaneous improvisation moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer structured, predictable songs
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1977, Hear & Now marked Don Cherry's return to the forefront of the jazz scene after a period of exploration in world music. This album followed his pioneering work in the late 1960s and early 1970s, establishing him as a key figure in both free jazz and global musical dialogues. By this time, Cherry was integrating diverse influences from his travels, enhancing his signature sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ornette Coleman· Pharoah Sanders· Albert Ayler
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mahakali 9:52
- 2 Universal Mother 6:42
- 3 Karmapa Chenno 7:15
- 4 California 2:52
- 5 Buddha’s Blues 3:39
- 6 Eagle Eyes 0:56
- 7 Surrender Rose 3:32
- 8 Journey to Milarepa / Shanti / The Ending Movement-Liberation 10:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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