What makes Momentum Space by Dewey Redman notable?

Momentum Space received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to free jazz, showcasing Redman's distinctive tenor saxophone voice. It was noted for pushing boundaries within the genre, influencing both seasoned musicians and up-and-coming artists in the jazz community. The album's release further solidified Redman's legacy as an essential figure in modern jazz improvisation. Released in 1998, Momentum Space is Dewey Redman's last studio album before his passing in 2006. At this point, Redman had already established himself as a key figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, known for his collaborations with Ornette Coleman and other influential artists. This album showcases his evolution alongside a new generation of musicians, blending traditional jazz elements with contemporary explorations.

How many songs are on Momentum Space?

Momentum Space has 7 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Momentum Space

Dewey Redman · 1998

59 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A sprawling exploration of free jazz, weaving intricate melodies with a sense of spontaneous improvisation and deep expressive intensity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Nine — This track embodies the essence of the album with its expansive structure and intricate interplay between musicians, highlighting Redman's virtuosic saxophone work.
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Life As — The composition features a dynamic range that showcases the emotional depth and spontaneity characteristic of free jazz, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Is — At nearly twenty-one minutes, this epic piece allows for extended improvisation that reveals the collective synergy of the ensemble, underscoring Redman's artistry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate improvisation and strong craftsmanship, making it a notable entry in Redman's discography.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections where the saxophone often engages in call-and-response with the rhythm section, creating a dynamic interplay.
Each track varies significantly in length, with some pieces stretching over ten minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes and motifs.
The use of silence and space is prominent, with several moments where instruments drop out entirely, emphasizing the tension and release inherent in free jazz.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
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 Nine 10:53
2 Bekei 4:20
3 Spoonin’ 7:27
4 Life As 8:28
5 It 7:15
6 Is 20:47
7 Dew 0:45

What to play next

Listen next

Look for the Other Black Star

2012

Go back to

Horn Riffs for DJ’s Vol. 3

1993

Full Dewey Redman discography Artists like Dewey Redman

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