What makes Proximity by Bill McHenry notable?

Proximity received notable attention within the jazz community for its inventive arrangements and nuanced performances, solidifying McHenry's status as a significant artist in the genre. The album has been praised by critics, appearing on several 'Best Jazz Albums' lists for 2016, highlighting its cultural relevance in an ever-evolving musical landscape. Released in 2016, Proximity is Bill McHenry's fifth studio album, showcasing his continued evolution as a prominent voice in contemporary jazz. This album followed his critically acclaimed work, contributing to his reputation for innovative compositions that blend traditional influences with modern sensibilities.

How many songs are on Proximity?

Proximity has 12 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Proximity

Bill McHenry · 2016

38 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A contemplative blend of modern jazz harmonies and intricate rhythms that invites deep listening and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Drum Song for Leadbelly — This track stands out for its rhythmic complexity and homage to blues legend Leadbelly, blending jazz improvisation with a folk sensibility.
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Aquatic Life — With its fluid melodies and intricate interplay between instruments, this track captures the essence of McHenry's unique style and thematic depth.
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Seasons — The expansive arrangement and emotional resonance showcase McHenry's ability to create an immersive soundscape that reflects the passage of time.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate arrangements and strong performances but lacks broader recognition outside the jazz community.

What we noticed

Each track varies in tempo and mood, with several pieces transitioning seamlessly into one another, creating a continuous flow.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Bedouin Woman 3:02
2 Fabula 2:48
3 Drum Song for Leadbelly 4:21
4 Drum Man Cyrille 3:10
5 Proximity 5:03
6 Let Me Tell You This 3:21
7 Broken Heart 0:56
8 Aquatic Life 5:09
9 Double Dutch 3:02
10 Seasons 6:13
11 Dervish 1:35
12 To Be Continued… 0:05

What to play next

Full Bill McHenry discography Artists like Bill McHenry

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata