I Took Up the Runes
Jan Garbarek · 1990
61 min · 10 tracks · jazz
Ethereal saxophone melodies intertwine with lush soundscapes, creating a transcendent journey through the realms of jazz and spirituality.
Top tracks — play these first
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Gula Gula Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Molde Canticle Part 1 — This track opens the Molde Canticle series with hauntingly beautiful saxophone lines that set a reflective tone for the entire album. Its delicate interplay of melody and rhythm showcases Garbarek’s ability to create emotive soundscapes.
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I Took Up the Runes — The title track serves as a centerpiece, combining rich textures and intricate improvisations that encapsulate the album’s thematic depth. It represents a significant moment where Garbarek fully embraces the interplay of cultural storytelling and musical expression.
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Buena Hora, Buenos Vientos — Closing with an expansive feel, this track blends rhythmic complexity with melodic warmth, showcasing Garbarek's mastery of creating spatial dynamics in music. It stands out as a culmination of the album's exploration of cultural motifs.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's ethereal soundscapes and extended compositions create a unique listening experience that rewards repeat plays.
What we noticed
- The album features extended compositions, with several tracks exceeding six minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes.
- Saxophone melodies are often layered over ambient textures, creating a sense of space and depth throughout the record.
- The 'Molde Canticle' series consists of five parts that flow seamlessly into one another, emphasizing continuity and exploration.
- Several tracks utilize minimalistic arrangements, focusing on subtle shifts in dynamics and tone rather than traditional jazz rhythms.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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9/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- meditative sound for deep introspection
- wave-like pacing with dynamic peaks
- for reflective afternoon moments
- immersive journey through emotional landscapes
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer fast-paced, upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Garbarek's reputation in the avant-garde jazz scene.
- Career context
- Released in 1990, I Took Up the Runes marked Jan Garbarek's artistic exploration following his acclaimed album, Visible World. At this point in his career, Garbarek was solidifying his reputation as a pioneering figure in European jazz, blending traditional elements with innovative soundscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tord Gustavsen· Ketil Bjørnstad· Eberhard Weber
Tracklist
- 1 Gula Gula Start here 5:59
- 2 Molde Canticle Part 1 5:16
- 3 Molde Canticle Part 2 5:47
- 4 Molde Canticle Part 3 9:58
- 5 Molde Canticle Part 4 5:14
- 6 Molde Canticle Part 5 6:11
- 7 His Eyes Were Suns 6:09
- 8 I Took Up the Runes 5:28
- 9 Buena Hora, Buenos Vientos 9:04
- 10 Rahkki Sruvvis 2:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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