Not Our First Goat Rodeo
Yo-Yo Ma · 2020
44 min · 10 tracks · classical music
A vibrant blend of classical and folk influences, showcasing intricate arrangements and collaborative improvisation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Your Coffee is a Disaster Start here — This opening track sets an engaging tone with its playful melody and lively banter between instruments, encapsulating the album's spirit of collaboration.
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Waltz Whitman — An evocative piece that intertwines lyrical themes with expressive string work, showcasing the ensemble's ability to blend storytelling with musicality.
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Every Note a Pearl — This track stands out for its intricate harmonies and emotional depth, illustrating the group's mastery in crafting nuanced arrangements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate arrangements and collaborative improvisation, blending classical and folk influences effectively.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of string instruments, with cello and violin often leading melodic lines while the bass provides rhythmic support.
- Tracks frequently shift dynamics, alternating between soft, contemplative passages and more vigorous, energetic sections.
- Improvisation is a key element, with musicians taking turns to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to written arrangements.
- 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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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
- playful sophistication in arrangements
- steady mid-tempo listening experience
- intricate melodies for focused attention
- moments of whimsical reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Continues exploration of cross-genre work but not a primary entry or breakthrough.
- Career context
- Released in 2020, 'Not Our First Goat Rodeo' marks a continuation of Yo-Yo Ma's exploration of cross-genre collaborations, following his acclaimed 'Goat Rodeo Sessions' from 2011. This album features a reunion with fellow artists Chris Thile, Stuart Duncan, and Edgar Meyer, emphasizing their established chemistry and innovative approach to combining classical elements with bluegrass and folk traditions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joshua Bell· Itzhak Perlman· Lara St. John
Tracklist
- 1 Your Coffee is a Disaster Start here 4:40
- 2 Waltz Whitman 3:44
- 3 The Trappings 3:39
- 4 Every Note a Pearl 4:37
- 5 Not For Lack of Trying 5:09
- 6 Voila! 3:11
- 7 Scarcely Cricket 4:46
- 8 We Were Animals 5:22
- 9 Nebbia 4:31
- 10 757 ml 5:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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