What makes Point of Departure by Andrew Hill notable?

Point of Departure is celebrated for its innovative approach to jazz, featuring complex harmonies and intricate melodies that influenced the genre's evolution. The album received critical acclaim upon release, appearing on several 'best of' lists and solidifying Hill’s reputation within the avant-garde jazz movement. Released in 1965, Point of Departure was Andrew Hill's fifth studio album, coming after his notable record Black Fire. At this point in his career, Hill was establishing himself as a significant voice in avant-garde jazz, pushing boundaries with his unique compositions and arrangements.

Who is Point of Departure for?

Point of Departure works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Point of Departure?

Point of Departure has 7 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Point of Departure

Andrew Hill · 1965

50 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A complex interplay of avant-garde structures and rhythmic innovation, where each track unfolds like a conversation in sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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New Monastery — This track exemplifies Hill's ability to blend intricate arrangements with improvisation, showcasing the musicians' talents while maintaining a cohesive structure that feels both spontaneous and deliberate.
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Dedication — With its shifting tempos and emotive depth, this piece highlights Hill's skill at creating tension and release, serving as a centerpiece that encapsulates the album's overall aesthetic.
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Spectrum — The track stands out for its exploration of tonal colors through dissonance and harmony, reflecting Hill's adventurous spirit in the context of mid-60s jazz experimentation.

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

Innovative structures and complex harmonies make this a standout in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

The first four tracks feature intricate interplay between the piano and horns, creating a dialogue-like structure that evolves throughout each piece.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs
wave-like pacing exploration

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1965, Point of Departure was Andrew Hill's fifth studio album, coming after his notable record Black Fire. At this point in his career, Hill was establishing himself as a significant voice in avant-garde jazz, pushing boundaries with his unique compositions and arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors: Eric Dolphy· Cecil Taylor· Ornette Coleman

Tracklist

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

1 Refuge 12:12
2 New Monastery 7:01
3 Spectrum 9:44
4 Flight 19 4:09
5 Flight 19 (alternate take) 3:46
6 Dedication 6:38
7 Dedication (alternate take) 7:00

What to play next

Listen next

Compulsion

1967

Go back to

Smokestack

1964

Full Andrew Hill discography Artists like Andrew Hill

avant-garde jazz bebop hard bop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata