What makes Makin' a Move by Henry Threadgill notable?

Makin' a Move was well-received, showcasing Threadgill's unique blend of jazz with avant-garde influences. The album contributed to his reputation as one of the leading figures in contemporary jazz, influencing subsequent generations of musicians seeking to push boundaries. Released in 1995, Makin' a Move is Henry Threadgill's first album after winning the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1996. This work captures his evolution as a composer and bandleader during a period of significant recognition and experimentation in his career.

How many songs are on Makin' a Move?

Makin' a Move has 7 tracks, running approximately 64 minutes.

Makin' a Move

Henry Threadgill · 1995

64 min · 7 tracks · jazz

Eclectic jazz textures intertwine with rich melodies, reflecting Threadgill's intricate compositional style and innovative improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Noisy Flowers — This track exemplifies Threadgill's ability to blend complex rhythmic structures with engaging melodic lines, setting the tone for the album's adventurous spirit.
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Like It Feels — With its extended length, this piece allows for deep improvisational exploration, showcasing the interplay between ensemble members and Threadgill's distinctive compositional voice.
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Official Silence — The track's contemplative nature and intricate arrangements highlight Threadgill’s skill in creating atmospheric soundscapes that encourage active listening and reflection.

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

Threadgill's intricate compositions and improvisational style create a distinctive jazz experience.

What we noticed

Each track showcases a different instrumental focus, with varying combinations of woodwinds, brass, and percussion creating a diverse sound palette.
Improvisation plays a key role, with extended solos that often diverge from the main themes, especially in 'Official Silence' and 'Dirty in the Right Places'.

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

Influence 4/10

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 Noisy Flowers 6:42
2 Like It Feels 11:18
3 Official Silence 8:56
4 Refined Poverty 9:07
5 Make Hot and Give 7:56
6 The Mockingbird Sin 12:12
7 Dirty in the Right Places 8:10

What to play next

Listen next

Carry the Day

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Carry the Day

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jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata