Moodswing cover

Moodswing

Joshua Redman · 1994

69 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of intricate melodies and rhythmic exploration, showcasing post-bop jazz's dynamic nature.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Chill — This track stands out for its mellow yet complex interplay between instruments, highlighting Redman's lyrical saxophone against a backdrop of subtle harmonies.
  • →
    Rejoice — The expansive length allows for extensive improvisation, showcasing Redman's virtuosity and emotional range while inviting listeners into a reflective soundscape.
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    Faith — This piece features a poignant melody that captures a sense of yearning, beautifully accentuated by the ensemble's tight cohesion and expressive solos.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Moodswing features intricate melodies and rhythmic exploration, establishing Redman as a significant voice in post-bop jazz.

What we noticed

  • Each track typically begins with a clear melodic statement before devolving into improvisational sections, allowing for dynamic interplay among the musicians.
  • Several pieces, such as 'Sweet Sorrow' and 'Faith', utilize call-and-response techniques between the saxophone and piano, highlighting the conversational nature of the performances.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for deep listening
  • exploratory themes across tracks
  • introspective morning solitude
  • rich melodies for headphone use
  • reflective moments of calm

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, upbeat tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1994, Moodswing marked Joshua Redman's second album, following his acclaimed self-titled debut. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a significant voice in the jazz scene, particularly within the post-bop genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Brad Mehldau· Chris Potter· Kurt Rosenwinkel

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Sweet Sorrow 8:43
  • 2 Chill 7:43
  • 3 Rejoice 11:12
  • 4 Faith 4:33
  • 5 Alone in the Morning 5:05
  • 6 Mischief 5:50
  • 7 Dialogue 5:43
  • 8 The Oneness of Two (In Three) 5:12
  • 9 Past in the Present 4:53
  • 10 Obsession 6:54
  • 11 Headin' Home 4:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata