Released 60 years ago
Jazz Raga
Gábor Szabó · 1966
34 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A fusion of jazz improvisation and Indian raga traditions that evokes a transcendent, exploratory atmosphere.
Top tracks — play these first
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Paint It Black — This track transforms The Rolling Stones' classic into a haunting jazz exploration that showcases Szabó's signature guitar work and inventive arrangements.
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Walking on Nails — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its intricate melodies and rhythmic complexities, highlighting Szabó's unique approach to blending genres.
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Search for Nirvana — This piece embodies the spiritual essence of the album, merging freeform jazz elements with Indian motifs that invite introspection and creativity.
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Krishna — With its meditative pace and melodic intricacies, this track illustrates Szabó’s ability to evoke deep emotion through intertwining cultural sounds.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's unique fusion of jazz and Indian raga creates a distinctive sound that stands out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections where the guitar and other instruments weave in and out of traditional Indian scales.
- Several tracks incorporate drone elements typical of raga music, creating a meditative atmosphere that contrasts with the 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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9/10
- 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
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
- dynamic exploration of themes
- wave-like pacing throughout
- short, immersive listening sessions
- contemplative and introspective moods
- enchanting sonic journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1966, Jazz Raga marked Gábor Szabó's third album and showcased his unique blend of jazz with Eastern musical influences. This period followed his successful debut, Spellbinder, which established him as an innovative guitarist in the jazz scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pat Metheny· Jim Hall· John McLaughlin
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Walking on Nails 2:48
- 2 Mizrab 3:32
- 3 Search for Nirvana 2:08
- 4 Krishna 3:13
- 5 Raga Doll 3:44
- 6 Comin’ Back 1:57
- 7 Paint It Black 4:42
- 8 Sophisticated Wheels 3:55
- 9 Ravi 2:59
- 10 Caravan 3:01
- 11 Summertime 2:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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