Lathe of Heaven cover

Lathe of Heaven

Mark Turner · 2014

58 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A contemplative blend of intricate melodies and spacious improvisation that invites deep listening and reflection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Lathe of Heaven — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic depth and features complex harmonies that showcase Turner's refined saxophone technique and emotional expression.
  • →
    Year of the Rabbit — This track stands out for its expansive improvisational sections, allowing each musician to explore their voice while maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout the piece.
  • →
    Sonnet for Stevie — A tribute to Stevie Wonder, this piece seamlessly integrates lyrical phrasing with intricate rhythms, reflecting Turner's ability to honor influences while carving out his own sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
71 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate melodies and spacious improvisation, rewarding deep listening.

What we noticed

  • The first track features a slow build with layered saxophone lines that gradually introduce the other instruments.
  • Improvisation is prominent, with each musician taking extended solos that weave in and out of the main themes.
  • The album maintains a consistent mood throughout, with tracks flowing seamlessly into one another without abrupt transitions.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Ethan's Line

    The bridge introduces a sudden shift in tempo and mood, contrasting the preceding sections with a more introspective dialogue between instruments.

    This structural choice adds an unexpected tension that alters the listener's emotional experience, highlighting Turner's skill in crafting dynamic musical conversations.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Lathe of Heaven 6:40
  • 2 Year of the Rabbit 12:19
  • 3 Ethan's Line 8:01
  • 4 The Edenist 8:11
  • 5 Sonnet for Stevie 12:57
  • 6 Brother Sister 2 10:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata