Pieces of Time
Andrew Cyrille · 1984
42 min · 6 tracks · jazz
Explorative rhythms intertwine with intricate melodies, crafting a meditative yet dynamic soundscape that transcends traditional jazz boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nibaldi Isle — This track features complex polyrhythms layered over haunting melodies, exemplifying Cyrille's ability to balance structure and spontaneity in his compositions.
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Pieces of Time — The title track serves as a centerpiece, weaving together various musical themes while showcasing Cyrille's percussive mastery and innovative compositional techniques.
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Energy Cycles — In this piece, Cyrille explores the interplay between silence and sound, creating an immersive listening experience that highlights the rhythmic intricacies characteristic of his style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate rhythms and melodies create a unique soundscape, showcasing Cyrille's innovative approach to jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features complex polyrhythms that shift throughout each track, creating a fluid sense of movement.
- Each piece often begins with a singular melodic line that gradually expands into layered improvisations.
- Tracks vary significantly in length, with some exceeding ten minutes, allowing for extended exploration of themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- meditative soundscapes for reflection
- dynamic rhythms inviting exploration
- brief interludes for mindful pauses
- immersive listening in solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'Pieces of Time' was released in 1984, Andrew Cyrille was already an established figure in avant-garde jazz, having collaborated with notable artists like Cecil Taylor. This album followed his work on the critically acclaimed 'Metamusician's Stomp', showcasing Cyrille's evolution as both a drummer and composer in the jazz scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sunny Murray· Jack DeJohnette· William Hooker
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Laurent 3:25
- 2 Nibaldi Isle 10:50
- 3 No. 11 7:47
- 4 Energy Cycles 8:46
- 5 Drum Song for Leadbelly 2:32
- 6 Pieces of Time 8:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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