Holding It Down: The Veterans' Dreams Project cover

Holding It Down: The Veterans' Dreams Project

Vijay Iyer · 2013

70 min · 17 tracks · jazz

A haunting blend of jazz and spoken word that captures the complexities of veterans' experiences through intimate storytelling and improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    Derelict Poetry — This track intricately weaves together musical motifs with spoken word, reflecting the emotional weight of memories that haunt veterans. Its raw honesty serves as a powerful entry point into the album's overarching themes.
  • →
    Dream of an Ex-Ranger — The evocative arrangement paired with poignant spoken narratives vividly illustrates the struggles faced by returning veterans, making it a standout representation of the album's mission to bring these stories to light.
  • →
    Requiem for an Insomniac — This track's meditative yet restless sound mirrors the internal conflicts many veterans endure, embodying the project’s contemplative essence while showcasing Iyer's skillful piano work.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • haunting reflections on veteran lives
  • wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
  • moments of spoken word intimacy
  • thoughtful exploration of shared stories
  • immersive experience for deep listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

Career context
By 2013, Vijay Iyer was establishing himself as a leading voice in contemporary jazz, following his breakthrough album 'Historicity' in 2009. 'Holding It Down: The Veterans' Dreams Project' represents a significant thematic expansion for Iyer, focusing on veterans' narratives and showcasing his collaboration with a diverse range of artists and poets.
Stylistic neighbors
Jason Moran· Tigran Hamasyan· Kneebody
New to Vijay Iyer? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • There Is a Man Slouching in the Stairway

    The narrative shifts from collective memory to an intimate portrayal of one veteran's struggle, capturing a sense of isolation amidst camaraderi…

    This structural choice underscores the tension between shared experiences and personal battles, allowing listeners to engage deeply with individual narratives while reflecting on larger societal issues.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Here (Mike, Cambridge) 3:08
  • 2 Derelict Poetry (Maurice, Brooklyn) 4:16
  • 3 Capacity (Lynn, Bronx) 3:57
  • 4 Walking With the Duppy (Rashan, Queens) 3:42
  • 5 There Is a Man Slouching in the Stairway (Maurice, Brooklyn) 3:59
  • 6 My Fire (Brad, Chester, NC) 3:09
  • 7 On Patrol (Maurice, Brooklyn) 4:54
  • 8 Dream of an Ex-Ranger (William, Newton, MA) 3:10
  • 9 Name (Lynn, Bronx) 3:38
  • 10 Costume (Mike, Cambridge) 4:08
  • 11 Tormented Star of Morning (Maurice, Brooklyn) 5:09
  • 12 Patton (Calvin, Massapequa, NY) 4:58
  • 13 Shush (Maurice, Brooklyn) 4:07
  • 14 REM Killer (Kirk, Lexington, KY) 3:48
  • 15 Requiem for an Insomniac (Maurice, Brooklyn) 5:14
  • 16 Dreams in Color (Lynn, Bronx) 2:39
  • 17 Mess Hall (Merrin, San Diego) 6:16

What to play next

Wiring
Listen next

Wiring

2014
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