Music from Odds Against Tomorrow
Modern Jazz Quartet · 1959
32 min · 6 tracks · cool jazz
A seamless blend of lyrical melodies and intricate harmonies that embody the cool jazz aesthetic of the late 1950s.
Top tracks — play these first
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Skating in Central Park Start here — This track captures the essence of cool jazz with its delicate interplay between piano and vibraphone, evoking vivid imagery of leisurely skaters gliding across an ice rink.
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No Happiness for Slater — With its somber tones and complex rhythms, this piece highlights the emotional depth that jazz can convey, reflecting the film's darker themes.
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Odds Against Tomorrow — The title track stands out for its rhythmic innovation and thematic resonance, encapsulating the tension and uncertainty central to both the film's narrative and the jazz genre.
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 cohesive arrangements typical of cool jazz, enhancing its appeal over time.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of counterpoint, with the piano and vibraphone often weaving intricate melodies around each other.
- Each track maintains a moderate tempo, creating a relaxed atmosphere that is characteristic of cool jazz.
- The final track transitions from a more structured arrangement to an improvisational section, allowing for spontaneous expression.
- 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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8/10
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
- steady mid-tempo progression
- urban tension and sophistication
- suitable for focused listening
- evocative soundscapes for reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer short standalone songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album showcased jazz's narrative potential, enhancing the group's recognition.
- Themes
- Central Park ice skaters· cinematic tension· somber jazz reflections
- Career context
- By the time 'Music from Odds Against Tomorrow' was released in 1959, the Modern Jazz Quartet had already established itself as a leading ensemble within the cool jazz scene. This album arrived shortly after their acclaimed work on the film score for 'Odds Against Tomorrow', marking a significant moment in their career as they transitioned from concert performances to cinematic compositions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bill Evans· Dave Brubeck· Gerry Mulligan
Tracklist
- 1 Skating in Central Park Start here 6:07
- 2 No Happiness for Slater 5:18
- 3 A Social Call 4:44
- 4 Cue No. 9 5:00
- 5 A Cold Wind Is Blowing 7:29
- 6 Odds Against Tomorrow 3:33
What to play next
European Concert, Volume One
1960
Continues the cool jazz vibe with live performances capturing intricate interactions.
The Modern Jazz Quartet Plays No Sun in Venice
1958
Sets a similar tone with lyrical melodies and rich harmonies leading into the current album.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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