Old/Quartet cover

Old/Quartet

Roscoe Mitchell · 1975

51 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A daring exploration of improvisation that intertwines free jazz with structured compositions, creating a dynamic auditory experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Old — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its intricate layers of sound and rhythm, showcasing Mitchell's improvisational prowess and unique compositional style.
  • →
    Quartet, Part 1 — This lengthy piece exemplifies the ensemble's collective improvisation, featuring a rich tapestry of interwoven melodies that highlight each musician's contribution while maintaining cohesion.
  • →
    Quartet, Part 2 — Continuing from Part 1, this track deepens the exploratory nature of the ensemble's sound, introducing contrasting dynamics and textures that challenge conventional jazz forms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

This album showcases complex compositions and strong improvisational elements, marking its place in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

  • The first track, 'Old', features a gradual build-up of sound layers, introducing various instruments before settling into a more structured improvisation.
  • Each part of 'Quartet' is divided into distinct sections that shift between collective improvisation and solo showcases, highlighting individual musicianship.
  • The final track, 'Solo', strips down to a single instrument, creating a stark contrast to the preceding ensemble pieces and emphasizing personal expression.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Old 8:09
  • 2 Quartet, Part 1 19:40
  • 3 Quartet, Part 2 18:03
  • 4 Solo 5:34

What to play next

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata