Life Cycle
Dave Holland · 1983
42 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A tapestry of intricate melodies and rhythms, blending avant-garde jazz with a meditative exploration of life's stages.
Top tracks — play these first
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Life Cycle: I. Inception Start here — This opening track introduces listeners to the thematic journey of the album, with its compelling motifs and rich textures that lay the groundwork for subsequent explorations.
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Life Cycle: III. Longing — With its emotive themes, this piece showcases Holland's ability to evoke deep feelings through intricate melodies and dynamic interplay among musicians.
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Chanson pour la nuit — This track stands out for its lyrical quality and atmospheric sound, reflecting Holland’s skill in blending harmonics with rhythmic subtleties to create an immersive experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions and cohesive movements, establishing Holland's voice in jazz.
What we noticed
- The album consists of five interconnected movements titled 'Life Cycle', each exploring a different stage, followed by six standalone pieces that vary in tempo and mood.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- steady pacing for focused listening
- contemplative journey through rhythms
- intricate melodies for detail-oriented ears
- resolutionful arc throughout tracks
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Holland's reputation as a bandleader post-Miles Davis.
- Themes
- life stages exploration· meditative soundscapes· avant-garde jazz journey
- Career context
- Upon its release in 1983, Life Cycle marked Dave Holland's debut as a bandleader after years as a sought-after bassist for notable figures like Miles Davis. This album came during Holland's transition into a prominent solo artist, allowing him to showcase his compositional skills and distinctive approach to jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· John Patitucci
Tracklist
- 1 Life Cycle: I. Inception Start here 4:19
- 2 Life Cycle: II. Discovery 4:28
- 3 Life Cycle: III. Longing 4:29
- 4 Life Cycle: IV. Search 3:28
- 5 Life Cycle: V. Resolution 4:43
- 6 Sonnet 2:24
- 7 Rune 4:30
- 8 Troubadour Tale 3:07
- 9 Grapevine 3:33
- 10 Morning Song 2:02
- 11 Chanson pour la nuit 4:54
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
Shares intricate compositions and a deep emotional exploration of life's complexities.
Facing You
Keith Jarrett
Equally meditative and introspective, blending improvisation with a reflective atmosphere.
Easily Slip into Another World
Henry Threadgill
Combines avant-garde jazz with complex rhythms, exploring personal and existential themes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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