Released 20 years ago
Heartplay
Charlie Haden · 2006
49 min · 8 tracks · jazz
An intimate exploration of sound where gentle melodies intertwine with profound silence and spacious improvisation.
Top tracks — play these first
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La Pasionaria — This track stands out for its expansive arrangement and emotional depth, reflecting Haden's ability to convey complex feelings through minimalistic yet powerful instrumentation.
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Child’s Song — Here, Haden creates a tender atmosphere that showcases both melodic beauty and intricate interplay between instruments, embodying the heart of the album's themes.
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For Turiya — The lengthy improvisational journey in this piece encapsulates Haden's deep musical conversation with his ensemble, illustrating the essence of free jazz exploration.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalHeartplay's introspective nature and improvisational style create a unique listening experience in jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features extended tracks that often build slowly, allowing for moments of silence between phrases.
- Each piece showcases a minimalist approach, with sparse instrumentation and an emphasis on melodic interplay.
- Improvisation is prominent, with musicians frequently responding to each other's cues rather than adhering to strict arrangements.
- 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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8/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- intimate moments of quiet reflection
- spacious improvisation inviting contemplation
- gentle melodies for serene evenings
- nuanced soundscapes with emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy music
- prefer immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2006, Heartplay is Charlie Haden's first album after his significant contributions to the avant-garde jazz scene in the 1990s. At this point in his career, Haden was recognized for his emotive bass playing and had already established a collaborative partnership with various influential artists, making this album a continuation of his artistic evolution.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Paul Bley· Keith Jarrett· Ornette Coleman
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Anna 3:59
- 2 If... 2:57
- 3 La Pasionaria 8:22
- 4 Snow 6:03
- 5 Silence 6:23
- 6 Child’s Song 8:06
- 7 Nocturne 2:39
- 8 For Turiya 11:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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