Lotus Flower
Woody Shaw · 1982
42 min · 5 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity that showcases Woody Shaw's virtuosic trumpet work.
Top tracks — play these first
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Eastern Joy Dance — This track opens the album with an energetic display of Shaw's signature style, featuring complex time signatures and dynamic interplay among musicians.
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Lotus Flower — 'Lotus Flower' serves as the album's title track and showcases Shaw's lyrical trumpet playing, weaving through lush harmonies that highlight his melodic prowess.
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Song of Songs — As the longest track on the album, it encapsulates a deep exploration of themes through extended improvisation, showcasing the ensemble's cohesion and Shaw's leadership.
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 virtuosic performances, solidifying Shaw's place in jazz.
What we noticed
- Shaw's trumpet leads with rapid runs and extended techniques, often accompanied by a rhythm section that shifts dynamically between polyrhythms.
- Each track varies in tempo and mood, with 'Eastern Joy Dance' opening energetically before transitioning to the more contemplative 'Song of Songs'.
- 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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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
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
- intricate melodies for focused listening
- dynamic rhythms for energetic moments
- extended tracks for deep immersion
- vibrant soundscapes for lively afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1982, Woody Shaw was firmly established in the jazz scene, having released several acclaimed albums. 'Lotus Flower' came after his notable work 'Rosewood' and exemplified his growth as a composer and bandleader, marking a significant point in his evolving career as he embraced more avant-garde influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Freddie Hubbard· Arturo Sandoval· Donald Byrd
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Eastern Joy Dance 9:41
- 2 Game 6:42
- 3 Lotus Flower 7:01
- 4 Rahsaan’s Run 8:02
- 5 Song of Songs 11:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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