What makes Look for the Black Star by Dewey Redman notable?

The album has been recognized for its innovative approach to free jazz, influencing subsequent generations of musicians. It received positive reviews from critics, establishing Redman as a prominent figure in the jazz community, and has been cited in discussions about the evolution of avant-garde jazz during the 1960s. Released in 1966, Look for the Black Star is Dewey Redman's debut album as a bandleader, following his notable collaborations with influential artists like Ornette Coleman. This album marks the beginning of Redman's significant contributions to the avant-garde jazz scene, showcasing his unique tenor saxophone style and compositional voice.

How many songs are on Look for the Black Star?

Look for the Black Star has 5 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Released 60 years ago

Look for the Black Star

Dewey Redman · 1966

45 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A sprawling exploration of free jazz, blending intricate melodies with spontaneous improvisation and a deep emotional resonance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Look for the Black Star — The title track serves as an ambitious opener, featuring expansive improvisation that showcases Redman's expressive tone and ability to weave complex narratives through sound.
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Seven and One — This track highlights Redman's skillful interplay with his bandmates, creating a dynamic dialogue that exemplifies the essence of free jazz through its shifting rhythms and melodic explorations.
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For Eldon — Dedicated to fellow musician Eldon P. Smith, this piece reflects a more contemplative side of Redman's artistry, blending lyrical moments with adventurous improvisational passages.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisation and unique melodic structures, establishing Redman's distinct voice in jazz.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections, with each track averaging over six minutes in length, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
Melodic lines often intertwine with dissonant harmonies, creating a tension that resolves through collective improvisation.
The first track opens with a slow build-up, gradually introducing more complex rhythms and textures as it progresses.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Look for the Black Star 15:41
2 For Eldon 6:29
3 Spur of the Moment 1:54
4 Seven and One 13:22
5 Of Love 7:58

What to play next

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free jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata