What makes Holon by Nik Bärtsch notable?

'Holon' received critical acclaim, solidifying Bärtsch's reputation within the avant-garde jazz community. The album not only charted well in Europe but also influenced a wave of contemporary jazz musicians seeking to merge structured rhythms with improvisational freedom. By 2008, Nik Bärtsch was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the modern jazz scene with 'Holon', his third album. This release followed his acclaimed previous works, showcasing his unique blend of minimalism and groove-driven improvisation that would further define his artistic identity.

How many songs are on Holon?

Holon has 6 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Holon

Nik Bärtsch · 2008

55 min · 6 tracks · funk

A rhythmic exploration where minimalist jazz meets intricate funk structures, creating a meditative yet dynamic soundscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Modul 41_17 — This track exemplifies Bärtsch's signature style, combining intricate polyrhythms with a hypnotic repetition that invites deep listening. Its extended length allows for an immersive journey through evolving motifs.
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Modul 42 — Opening the album, this track introduces listeners to the seamless integration of jazz and minimalism, setting a tone that balances complexity with accessibility.
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Modul 44 — With its engaging interplay between piano and percussion, this track showcases the ensemble's dynamic range and demonstrates how tension and resolution can be artfully navigated in improvised music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album's rhythmic motifs and minimalist structures create a cohesive and distinctive sound that rewards repeated listening.

What we noticed

Each track is built around a central rhythmic motif that evolves gradually, creating a sense of continuity across the album.
Tracks are structured with minimalistic arrangements, allowing for improvisation within defined parameters, which enhances the meditative quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Modul 42 6:29
2 Modul 41_17 14:51
3 Modul 39_8 7:49
4 Modul 46 7:16
5 Modul 45 9:41
6 Modul 44 9:23

What to play next

Listen next

Llyrìa

2010

Go back to

Hishiryo: Piano Solo

2006

Full Nik Bärtsch discography Artists like Nik Bärtsch

funk jazz minimal music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata