Holding It Down: The Veterans' Dreams Project cover

Holding It Down: The Veterans' Dreams Project

Vijay Iyer · 2013

70 min · 17 tracks · jazz · progressive jazz

A haunting blend of jazz improvisation and spoken word reflections on the lives of veterans.

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 want

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

Career context
By 2013, Vijay Iyer was gaining recognition as a leading voice in contemporary jazz, following his acclaimed album 'Historicity' (2009). 'Holding It Down: The Veterans' Dreams Project' marked a significant expansion of his artistic focus, incorporating narratives from veterans into his music, showcasing his commitment to social issues through art.
Stylistic neighbors
Jason Moran· Tigran Hamasyan· Kneebody

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

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata