Nice Guys
Art Ensemble of Chicago · 1979
44 min · 6 tracks · free jazz
A dynamic interplay of avant-garde improvisation and rhythmic exploration, blending free jazz influences with experimental soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ja — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its complex rhythms and rich textures, embodying the ensemble's improvisational spirit.
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Nice Guys — The title track serves as a brief yet impactful interlude, contrasting with longer compositions by showcasing the ensemble's tight-knit cohesion in a more concise format.
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Dreaming of the Master — This extended piece encapsulates the group's ability to weave intricate narratives through sound, highlighting their collective improvisational prowess over an expansive duration.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate improvisation and unique sound exploration, marking it as a standout in free jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections where instruments weave in and out of focus, creating a fluid soundscape.
- Each track varies significantly in tempo and mood, with some pieces driven by rhythmic patterns while others explore more abstract textures.
- The use of unconventional instruments alongside traditional jazz elements adds layers of complexity to the arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- dynamic exploration with peaks
- wave-like pacing throughout album
- improvisational journeys of sound
- soulful expressions and experimentation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Nice Guys' was released in 1979, the Art Ensemble of Chicago had already established themselves as pioneers of the avant-garde jazz scene. This album came after their critically acclaimed work 'Urban Bushmen' in 1970, showcasing their continued evolution and commitment to innovation within the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ornette Coleman· Henry Threadgill· Anthony Braxton
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ja 8:43
- 2 Nice Guys 1:45
- 3 Folkus 11:03
- 4 597-59 6:46
- 5 Cyp 4:53
- 6 Dreaming of the Master 11:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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