Long Goodbye: A Tribute to Don Pullen
David Murray · 1998
55 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A vibrant homage where deep jazz traditions meet avant-garde experimentation through rich improvisations and intricate rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
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Gratitude — The opening track sets the tone with an expansive arrangement that intertwines collective improvisation and individual expression, embodying the spirit of Pullen’s music.
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Long Goodbye — The title track captures a poignant sense of farewell, featuring introspective solos that reflect both loss and celebration of creativity.
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Resting on the Road — This piece showcases complex rhythms and harmonies, allowing each band member to shine while paying homage to the journey shared with Pullen.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends traditional jazz with avant-garde elements through rich improvisation and varied instrumentation.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections, with several tracks exceeding eight minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
- The final track, 'Common Ground', serves as a reflective conclusion, gradually reducing in intensity and tempo to create a sense of closure.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 with emotional depth
- intricate melodies for deep focus
- reflective moments of musical tribute
- consistent journey with rhythmic explorations
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — This album resonates deeply with dedicated fans, showcasing rich improvisation.
- Career context
- Released in 1998, 'Long Goodbye: A Tribute to Don Pullen' arrived during David Murray's prolific phase following his acclaimed works in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This album reflects Murray's commitment to honoring influential jazz figures, particularly Pullen, who was a significant collaborator earlier in his career. The tribute showcases Murray's ongoing evolution as an artist deeply rooted in jazz history while pushing its boundaries.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Henry Threadgill· Ornette Coleman· Charles Lloyd
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Gratitude 7:52
- 2 Resting on the Road 10:30
- 3 Out of a Storm 8:38
- 4 El Matador 4:32
- 5 Easy Alice 8:10
- 6 Long Goodbye 8:00
- 7 Common Ground 7:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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