Released 30 years ago
None Too Soon
Allan Holdsworth · 1996
51 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A masterful blend of intricate guitar solos and sophisticated jazz harmonies that push the boundaries of fusion music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Countdown — The opening track sets an energetic tone with rapid-fire guitar runs that exemplify Holdsworth's technical prowess and rhythmic complexity.
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Isotope — This track features a blend of melodic phrasing and intricate harmonic structures that highlight Holdsworth's ability to weave jazz elements into progressive rock.
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None Too Soon — The title track showcases a contemplative atmosphere with its slow build-up, allowing Holdsworth's emotive playing to shine through in a way that resonates deeply.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalHoldsworth's innovative guitar work and complex compositions define this album, making it a standout in jazz fusion.
What we noticed
- Each track varies in tempo and mood, with some pieces like 'Countdown' starting energetically while others like 'Very Early' are more subdued.
- Harmonically complex arrangements are prevalent, with frequent key changes and unexpected chord progressions that challenge conventional jazz forms.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
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 focused listening
- intricate solos for detail appreciation
- consistent development across tracks
- reflective moments of musical exploration
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1996, None Too Soon came during Allan Holdsworth's prolific phase as a solo artist after his departure from bands like UK and Bruford. By this time, he had already established himself as a pioneering guitarist, known for his unique approach to harmony and improvisation, making this album a testament to his continued evolution in sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John McLaughlin· Pat Metheny· Frank Gambale
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Countdown 3:10
- 2 Nuages 5:41
- 3 How Deep Is the Ocean? 5:29
- 4 Isotope 5:42
- 5 None Too Soon 7:43
- 6 Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) 5:55
- 7 Very Early 7:41
- 8 San Marcos 3:24
- 9 Inner Urge 6:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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