Prism
Ryo Kawasaki · 1975
38 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of jazz and rock, blending intricate guitar work with fluid rhythms and rich melodic structures.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Agana — Opening with a captivating blend of rhythm and melody, this track sets the tone for the album's innovative exploration of jazz fusion.
-
→
Sweet Tears — This track features a lush arrangement and showcases Kawasaki's virtuosic guitar skills, making it a standout example of his ability to merge genres.
-
→
Phil — With its extended improvisational sections, 'Phil' exemplifies the free-form nature of jazz fusion while highlighting Kawasaki's unique compositional style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalKawasaki's debut blends jazz and rock with intricate guitar work, showcasing a distinctive style that resonates within jazz fusion.
What we noticed
- The album features extended instrumental sections where the guitar takes the lead, often accompanied by complex drum patterns and bass lines.
- Each track is structured around a central theme, with variations introduced through improvisation and dynamic shifts in tempo.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
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
- vibrant rhythmic explorations
- intricate melodies for focus
- immersive soundscapes for reflection
- short interludes enhance flow
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time of its release in 1975, Ryo Kawasaki was transitioning from a prominent session guitarist to a solo artist. 'Prism' marked his debut album, showcasing his innovative style that combined jazz improvisation with elements of pop and rock, establishing him as a significant figure in the jazz fusion movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pat Metheny· John McLaughlin· Al Di Meola
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Agana 5:45
- 2 Joni 5:36
- 3 Nogie 8:45
- 4 Bridge: Sun 1:00
- 5 Phil 7:35
- 6 Bridge: Moon 1:15
- 7 Sweet Tears 7:53
- 8 Bridge: Star 0:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.