Nine to Get Ready cover

Nine to Get Ready

Roscoe Mitchell · 1999

55 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of free jazz, weaving together improvisational textures and lyrical melodies with a profound emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Leola — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its intricate saxophone motifs and haunting melodies, embodying Mitchell's unique style.
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    For Lester B. — A tribute piece that captures both sorrow and celebration, it showcases Mitchell's ability to blend emotional depth with technical prowess.
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    Jamaican Farewell — This track infuses Caribbean rhythmic elements into Mitchell's sound, highlighting his versatility and willingness to explore diverse musical landscapes.
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    Move Toward the Light — This piece features a minimalist yet powerful arrangement that allows space for reflection, illustrating Mitchell's mastery of dynamics in composition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate improvisation and unique textures, making it a standout in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisational sections, with each track often exceeding six minutes, allowing for deep exploration of musical themes.
  • Tracks frequently shift dynamics and textures, moving from sparse arrangements to dense clusters of sound, creating a sense of unpredictability.
  • Several pieces incorporate call-and-response patterns between instruments, emphasizing interaction and spontaneity among the musicians.
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
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

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

  • immersive exploration of improvisation
  • emotional depth through lyrical melodies
  • thoughtful pacing with varied lengths
  • introspective moments for reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, concise tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Nine to Get Ready' was released in 1999, Roscoe Mitchell had already established himself as a pivotal figure in avant-garde jazz. This album arrived three years after his acclaimed 'The Note Factory,' further solidifying his experimental approach while showcasing new compositions and collaborations.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Leola 9:35
  • 2 Dream and Response 5:04
  • 3 For Lester B. 6:08
  • 4 Jamaican Farewell 5:44
  • 5 Hop Hip Bip Bir Rip 6:03
  • 6 Nine to Get Ready 3:53
  • 7 Bessie Harris 6:44
  • 8 Fallen Heroes 6:37
  • 9 Move Toward the Light 3:22
  • 10 Big Red Peaches 2:06

What to play next

8 O'Clock: Two Improvisations
Listen next

8 O'Clock: Two Improvisations

2001
In Walked Buckner
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In Walked Buckner

1999
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jazz fusion

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata