Irène Schweizer/Andrew Cyrille
Andrew Cyrille · 1989
44 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A dynamic interplay of avant-garde structures and spontaneous improvisation that challenges traditional jazz boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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Smashing Napf — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its intricate rhythms and playful dialogue between piano and drums, embodying the essence of their collaborative spirit.
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From Stäfa to Willisau Via Music — At over thirteen minutes, this track exemplifies the duo's ability to weave complex narratives through improvisation, showcasing their musical chemistry and depth.
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Fiction of the 13th Kind — This piece stands out for its adventurous exploration of unconventional time signatures and tonal shifts, pushing the boundaries of jazz improvisation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases innovative improvisation and structured interplay, marking it as a notable entry in avant-garde jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections where the piano and drums engage in call-and-response patterns, creating a dynamic conversation.
- Each track varies significantly in length, with some pieces stretching over ten minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
- The use of silence and space is prominent, with several moments where both musicians pause to create tension before resuming their interplay.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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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
- spontaneous improvisation and exploration
- dynamic interplay of sounds
- thought-provoking musical conversations
- moments of quiet introspection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer structured song formats
- want straightforward melodic lines
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1989, Andrew Cyrille had established himself as a significant figure in avant-garde jazz, known for his work with notable artists like Cecil Taylor. This album, a collaboration with pianist Irène Schweizer, represents a continuation of his exploratory approach following the acclaimed 'Metamusicians' Stomp' released in 1985, showcasing a deepening partnership that pushes the limits of jazz expression.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sunny Murray· Jack DeJohnette· William Hooker
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Smashing Napf 6:53
- 2 Soft Inside 3:23
- 3 From Stäfa to Willisau Via Music 13:01
- 4 As Time Goes On 4:08
- 5 Fiction of the 13th Kind 12:41
- 6 A Monkish Encore 4:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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