What makes In for a Penny, In for a Pound by Henry Threadgill notable?

The album received critical acclaim, showcasing Threadgill's innovative approach to jazz composition and performance. It highlighted his distinctive style and earned a spot on several year-end lists, solidifying his influence within the avant-garde jazz scene. When 'In for a Penny, In for a Pound' was released in 2015, Henry Threadgill was enjoying a late-career renaissance, following his 2016 Pulitzer Prize win for Music. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into multi-instrumental compositions, building on the groundwork laid by previous albums such as 'This Brings Us To, Vol. 1' released in 2014.

How many songs are on In for a Penny, In for a Pound?

In for a Penny, In for a Pound has 6 tracks, running approximately 79 minutes.

In for a Penny, In for a Pound

Henry Threadgill

79 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A complex tapestry of avant-garde jazz intertwining intricate rhythms and unconventional instrumentation with a vibrant spontaneity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ceroepic (for drums and percussion) — This nearly twenty-minute track exemplifies Threadgill's mastery of rhythm and texture, showcasing an extensive dialogue between drums and percussion that challenges traditional jazz forms.
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Dosepic (for cello) — Featuring the cello prominently, this track explores melodic depth while maintaining rhythmic complexity, illustrating Threadgill's unique ability to blend classical elements with jazz improvisation.
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Tresepic (for trombone and tuba) — With its rich brass harmonies, this piece highlights the interplay between the trombone and tuba, revealing Threadgill’s commitment to collaborative improvisation within ensemble settings.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative compositions and distinct instrumental focus, though it may not fully resonate beyond jazz circles.

What we noticed

Each track features a distinct focus on a single instrument, allowing for intricate exploration of its capabilities.
The album opens with a lengthy title track that sets a complex rhythmic foundation before transitioning into shorter, more focused pieces.
The use of unconventional instrumentation creates a diverse sound palette that shifts dramatically from track to track.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

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.