What makes Icarus by Paul Winter Consort notable?

Icarus received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of styles and was influential in the New Age music movement. The album showcased Winter's commitment to environmental themes, particularly through tracks like Whole Earth Chant, which resonated with the growing counterculture and ecological awareness of the early 1970s. Released in 1972, Icarus marked the Paul Winter Consort's third album, following their breakthrough with 'Canyon' in 1970. At this point, the group was solidifying its unique sound, merging jazz improvisation with global influences, which would define their artistic identity.

How many songs are on Icarus?

Icarus has 9 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Icarus

Paul Winter Consort · 1972

40 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A fusion of jazz, folk, and world music, blending ethereal melodies with intricate instrumentals that evoke a sense of nature's grandeur.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Whole Earth Chant — This track stands out as a spiritual anthem, incorporating chants and natural sounds that reflect Winter's dedication to ecological harmony and community.
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Icarus — The title track embodies the album's overarching theme, merging evocative melodies with rich instrumentation to narrate the mythological tale of ambition and downfall.
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Ode to a Fillmore Dressing Room — This piece captures the essence of live performance culture while showcasing intricate arrangements that highlight the ensemble's improvisational skills.

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

Icarus showcases intricate compositions and a unique blend of styles, making it a notable entry in the jazz and New Age genres.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered woodwinds and percussion, establishing a meditative atmosphere.
Tracks often shift between solo instrumental passages and collective improvisation, creating dynamic contrasts.
Several pieces incorporate natural sounds, such as bird calls, which blend seamlessly into the musical fabric.

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 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Icarus 3:04
2 Ode to a Fillmore Dressing Room 5:35
3 The Silence of a Candle 3:29
4 Sunwheel 4:41
5 Juniper Bear 3:08
6 Whole Earth Chant 7:42
7 All the Mornings Bring 3:55
8 Chehalis and Other Voices 5:30
9 Minuit 3:10

What to play next

Listen next

Earthbeat

1987

Go back to

Road

1970

Full Paul Winter Consort discography Artists like Paul Winter Consort

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata