In Angel City
Charlie Haden · 1988
67 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A meditative blend of avant-garde textures and intricate melodies, weaving together improvisation and deep emotional resonance.
Top tracks — play these first
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First Song (For Ruth) — This track stands out due to its lyrical bass lines and poignant harmonies, capturing the essence of Haden's heartfelt tribute to his late mother.
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Lonely Woman — A reimagining of one of Haden's most famous pieces, this version expands upon the original's emotional weight with extended improvisations that evoke a sense of longing.
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Blue in Green — Haden's interpretation transforms this classic into a meditative piece that highlights the interplay between sorrow and beauty, showcasing his unique tonal approach.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate melodies and improvisation, making it rewarding for repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections, with each track allowing for significant exploration of themes and motifs.
- The instrumentation often shifts between sparse arrangements and dense textures, enhancing the meditative quality of the music.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- meditative late-night reflections
- immersive emotional soundscapes
- slow-burning contemplative journeys
- introspective moments of solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat dance tracks
- prefer quick, catchy songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'In Angel City' was released in 1988, Charlie Haden had already established himself as a pivotal figure in jazz, known for his work with Ornette Coleman. This album followed his acclaimed 'Always Say Goodbye' from 1983, showcasing a shift toward more contemplative compositions that reflect his continued evolution as an artist and bandleader.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Paul Bley· Keith Jarrett· Ornette Coleman
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sunday at the Hillcrest 6:26
- 2 First Song (For Ruth) 7:02
- 3 The Red Wind 5:01
- 4 Blue in Green 7:23
- 5 Alpha 6:32
- 6 Live Your Dreams 6:36
- 7 Child’s Play 3:10
- 8 Fortune’s Fame 8:15
- 9 Tarantella 3:20
- 10 Lonely Woman 13:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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