Journal Violone II
Barre Phillips · 1980
39 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A meditative exploration of soundscapes, merging improvisational jazz with the resonant timbres of the violone.
Top tracks — play these first
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Part I — Opening with a deep exploration of resonance, this track sets the tone for the entire album by weaving intricate layers of sound that invite introspection.
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Part III — The rhythmic pulse here introduces a sudden dynamic shift, showcasing Phillips' versatility and ability to manipulate time and space within his performances.
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Part VI — Closing the album with an expansive and contemplative journey, this track encapsulates the core essence of Phillips' artistic vision through extended techniques and emotive expression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's seamless improvisation and unique timbres create a meditative experience that stands out in jazz.
What we noticed
- Each track is structured as a continuous improvisation, with the violone creating layered textures that evolve gradually over time.
- The album features long, sustained notes and subtle shifts in dynamics, encouraging deep listening and reflection.
- There are no traditional song structures; instead, the music flows freely, with each part transitioning seamlessly into the next.
- 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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9/10
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
- meditative soundscapes for reflection
- extended improvisations that unfold slowly
- intricate textures for focused listening
- deep concentration during quiet moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, catchy tunes
- prefer structured song formats
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1980, Barre Phillips had already established himself as a pioneering figure in avant-garde jazz and free improvisation. 'Journal Violone II' followed his groundbreaking work 'Journal Violone,' which showcased his innovative approach to solo performance on the violone, marking his evolution as an artist dedicated to expanding jazz's boundaries.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Evan Parker· Joëlle Léandre· William Hooker
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Part I 7:10
- 2 Part II 6:19
- 3 Part III 5:02
- 4 Part IV 6:45
- 5 Part V 3:26
- 6 Part VI 11:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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