What makes Milano Strut by Don Pullen notable?

Milano Strut is significant not only for its innovative blend of jazz styles but also for its critical reception at the time. The album received praise for its fresh approach to improvisation and composition, influencing a generation of jazz musicians seeking to break conventional boundaries. It solidified Pullen's reputation as an important figure in avant-garde jazz during the late 1970s. Released in 1978, Milano Strut marked Don Pullen's second album as a bandleader after his debut, 'Evidence,' in 1976. At this point in his career, Pullen was establishing himself within the avant-garde jazz scene, moving from sideman roles to leading projects that showcased his unique piano style and compositional voice.

How many songs are on Milano Strut?

Milano Strut has 4 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Milano Strut

Don Pullen · 1978

40 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of avant-garde jazz and rhythmic exploration, pulsating with improvisational energy and intricate melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Conversation — This opening track sets the tone for the album with intricate piano lines and a dynamic interplay between musicians, showcasing Pullen's improvisational prowess.
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Milano Strut — The title track embodies the album's spirit, offering infectious rhythms and melodic sophistication that highlight Pullen's ability to blend structure with spontaneity.
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Curve Eleven (For Giuseppi) — This extended piece exemplifies Pullen's complex arrangements and emotional depth, allowing for expansive improvisation that fully engages the listener.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Milano Strut showcases intricate improvisation and strong thematic development, marking Pullen's distinct voice in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

Each track features extended improvisation sections, allowing musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to written melodies.
The album opens with a rhythmic piano motif that recurs throughout the tracks, creating a sense of cohesion despite the improvisational nature.
The final track incorporates a gradual build-up of tension, culminating in a complex interplay between the instruments before resolving.

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

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 Conversation 9:10
2 Communication 10:38
3 Milano Strut 7:28
4 Curve Eleven (For Giuseppi) 13:16

What to play next

Listen next

The Magic Triangle

1979

Go back to

Warriors

1978

Full Don Pullen discography Artists like Don Pullen

avant-garde music jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata