Released 30 years ago
Now Is the Hour
Charlie Haden · 1996
59 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A serene blend of contemplative melodies and rich harmonies, merging traditional jazz with global influences.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Left Hand of God — This track features an intricate interplay between instruments, showcasing Haden’s lyrical bass lines alongside haunting melodies that evoke deep emotion.
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Detour Ahead — Haden's interpretation brings a fresh perspective to this standard, blending tenderness with improvisation that exemplifies his innovative approach to jazz.
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Now Is the Hour (Haere Ra) — The closing track serves not only as a poignant farewell but also highlights Haden's respect for cultural heritage and emotional storytelling within music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends serene melodies with rich harmonies, showcasing Haden's skillful arrangements and cultural inclusivity.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of soft dynamics, with most tracks maintaining a gentle volume that encourages introspection.
- The arrangement often includes layered instrumentation, allowing for rich harmonic textures that enhance the melodic lines.
- 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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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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- serene melodies for quiet moments
- reflective listening during solitude
- gentle harmonies for evening unwind
- subtle exploration of emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party atmosphere
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1996, Now Is the Hour marked Charlie Haden's return to the forefront of jazz after a period that included significant collaborations with artists like Pat Metheny. This album reflects Haden's deepening exploration of world music influences while maintaining his avant-garde jazz roots, following his acclaimed work on projects such as the Liberation Music Orchestra.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Paul Bley· Keith Jarrett· Ornette Coleman
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Here’s Looking at You 6:11
- 2 The Left Hand of God 7:48
- 3 Requiem 1:31
- 4 Back Home Blues 4:04
- 5 There in a Dream 7:05
- 6 All Through the Night 4:13
- 7 Detour Ahead 6:06
- 8 Blue Pearl 4:32
- 9 When Tomorrow Comes 4:38
- 10 Palo Alto 4:56
- 11 Marable’s Parable 3:31
- 12 Now Is the Hour (Haere Ra – Māori farewell song) 4:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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