What makes Pakistani Pomade by Alexander von Schlippenbach notable?

The album stands out for its experimental nature and has been influential in the development of free improvisation within European jazz. It showcases the intricate interplay between musicians, pushing boundaries of traditional jazz forms and contributing to the global avant-garde movement of the early 1970s. Released in 1973, 'Pakistani Pomade' is Alexander von Schlippenbach's third album, following his acclaimed work with the Globe Unity Orchestra. At this point, he was solidifying his unique voice in the European free jazz scene, experimenting with form and spontaneity while collaborating with notable musicians such as Peter Brötzmann and others.

Who is Pakistani Pomade for?

Pakistani Pomade works well if you're into wave-like pacing with surprises, dynamic exploration of soundscapes and immersive listening for curious minds.

How many songs are on Pakistani Pomade?

Pakistani Pomade has 12 tracks, running approximately 66 minutes.

Pakistani Pomade

Alexander von Schlippenbach · 1973

66 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A kaleidoscopic exploration of sound that merges free jazz improvisation with avant-garde textures and unconventional structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Butaki Sisters — This track exemplifies the album's adventurous spirit through its complex rhythmic structures and spontaneous melodic explorations, showcasing the ensemble's chemistry.
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Pakistani Pomade — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its rich textures and shifting dynamics, featuring a seamless blend of composition and improvisation.
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Moonbeef — As one of the longer tracks, it allows for extended improvisational passages that highlight the individual talents of each musician while maintaining a cohesive sound.

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's experimental approach and unique interplay mark it as a significant work in free jazz.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections where musicians frequently shift roles, creating a fluid dynamic throughout.
The use of silence and space is prominent, with moments of stark contrast between dense soundscapes and sparse passages.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with surprises
dynamic exploration of soundscapes
immersive listening for curious minds
adventurous tonal shifts throughout

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1973, 'Pakistani Pomade' is Alexander von Schlippenbach's third album, following his acclaimed work with the Globe Unity Orchestra. At this point, he was solidifying his unique voice in the European free jazz scene, experimenting with form and spontaneity while collaborating with notable musicians such as Peter Brötzmann and others.
Stylistic neighbors: Peter Brötzmann· Evan Parker· Cecil Taylor