Prayer for Peace cover

Prayer for Peace

Billy Bang · 2010

69 min · 7 tracks · jazz

Exploratory jazz fused with rich narrative textures, evoking a deep yearning for harmony amidst chaos.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Prayer for Peace — The title track uses extended improvisation to convey urgency and hope, encapsulating the album's central theme of longing for tranquility.
  • →
    Dance of the Manakin — This track showcases Bang's unique violin technique paired with intricate rhythms, illustrating his ability to blend traditional jazz elements with creative flair.
  • →
    At Play in the Fields of the Lord — A reflective piece that combines lyrical melodies with complex harmonies, it serves as a meditation on existence and human connection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's ambitious compositions and rich textures create a distinctive listening experience in contemporary jazz.

What we noticed

  • The final track extends over eight minutes, gradually introducing new motifs while maintaining a meditative atmosphere.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

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

  • patient explorations of emotional landscapes
  • long tracks that encourage reflection
  • rich narratives inviting deep listening
  • moments of serene introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, upbeat tracks
  • want tightly structured compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
When Billy Bang released 'Prayer for Peace' in 2010, he was already an established figure in the jazz world, known for his innovative approach to the violin. This album came shortly before his passing in 2011, marking a poignant chapter in his career as he continued to explore themes of peace and resilience through music.
Stylistic neighbors
David Murray· Henry Threadgill· William Hooker

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Only Time Will Tell 7:14
  • 2 At Play in the Fields of the Lord 9:32
  • 3 Dance of the Manakin 10:00
  • 4 Prayer for Peace 19:57
  • 5 Chan Chan 7:05
  • 6 Dark Silhouette 9:38
  • 7 Jupiter’s Future 6:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata