What makes Living on the Edge by Dewey Redman notable?

The album has been recognized for its innovative approach to free jazz, receiving positive critical reception that highlighted Redman's distinctive saxophone style. It has influenced subsequent generations of jazz musicians who seek to push the boundaries of improvisation and expression within the genre. By 1991, Dewey Redman was an established figure in the jazz world, known for his work with the avant-garde and free jazz movements. 'Living on the Edge' was released after a series of collaborations and showcases his continued evolution as a solo artist following his tenure with the renowned Ornette Coleman.

How many songs are on Living on the Edge?

Living on the Edge has 6 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Living on the Edge

Dewey Redman · 1991

43 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant exploration of free jazz, blending intricate improvisation with deep emotional resonance across each track.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Boo Boodoop — This opening track sets a tone of adventurous spirit and complex rhythms, showcasing Redman's ability to weave intricate melodies through dynamic improvisation.
→
Mirror Windows — Here, the interplay between instruments creates a reflective atmosphere, emphasizing the album's theme of introspection through a dialogue of sound.
→
If I Should Lose You — This rendition transforms the standard into a personal expression, revealing Redman's emotive playing style while maintaining the essence of the original composition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisational skills and emotional depth, making it rewarding for repeated listens.

What we noticed

Each track features extended improvisation sections, allowing musicians to explore themes rather than adhering to strict melodies.
The album opens with a fast-paced piece that sets an energetic tone, while the final track gradually slows down, creating a reflective conclusion.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response techniques between instruments, enhancing the conversational quality of the performances.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Boo Boodoop 9:46
2 Mirror Windows 8:32
3 Blues for J.A.M., Part 1 5:02
4 If I Should Lose You 8:07
5 As One 5:58
6 Lazy Bird 6:20

What to play next

Listen next

African Venus

1992

Go back to

The Struggle Continues

1982

Full Dewey Redman discography Artists like Dewey Redman

free jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata