What makes How Many Clouds Can You See? by John Surman notable?

This album is significant for its blending of jazz with progressive rock elements, contributing to the development of experimental music in the UK during the early 1970s. It received critical acclaim for its ambitious structure and improvisational spirit, influencing later artists within both the jazz and rock genres. Released in 1970, How Many Clouds Can You See? is John Surman's second studio album, following his debut, Way Back in 1969. At this point in his career, Surman was beginning to establish himself as a prominent figure in the British jazz scene, known for his innovative approaches and collaborations with other notable musicians.

Who is How Many Clouds Can You See? for?

How Many Clouds Can You See? works well if you're into immersive long-form explorations, meditative moments of reflection and dynamic improvisational interactions.

How many songs are on How Many Clouds Can You See??

How Many Clouds Can You See? has 5 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

How Many Clouds Can You See?

John Surman · 1970

45 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A fusion of avant-garde jazz and experimental rock, weaving intricate melodies through expansive sonic landscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Galata Bridge — The album's opener features lengthy improvisational sections that showcase Surman's mastery of the saxophone, setting a contemplative tone for the record.
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Event: Gathering / Ritual / Circle Dance — This track epitomizes the album's experimental nature with its complex rhythms and communal atmosphere, reflecting a deep connection to cultural rituals.
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How Many Clouds Can You See? — The title track stands out with its concise composition, allowing Surman’s lyrical saxophone work to shine within a more structured framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate melodies and improvisation within a cohesive structure, blending jazz and rock elements effectively.

What we noticed

The album features extended compositions, with each track averaging over six minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
Improvisation plays a central role, with musicians frequently diverging from the main melody to create spontaneous interactions.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

immersive long-form explorations
meditative moments of reflection
dynamic improvisational interactions
evocative soundscapes for daydreaming

Maybe skip if you

prefer concise, structured tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1970, How Many Clouds Can You See? is John Surman's second studio album, following his debut, Way Back in 1969. At this point in his career, Surman was beginning to establish himself as a prominent figure in the British jazz scene, known for his innovative approaches and collaborations with other notable musicians.
Stylistic neighbors: Keith Jarrett· Jan Garbarek· Tord Gustavsen