Quartet (Santa Cruz) 1993 cover

Quartet (Santa Cruz) 1993

Anthony Braxton

145 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A labyrinthine exploration of avant-garde jazz, blending intricate compositions with spontaneous improvisation across lengthy pieces.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Comp. 159 + (30 + 108a) / Comp. 40 (o) / Comp. 69f / Comp. 173 / Comp. 69 (o) / Comp. 52, Part 1 — This track exemplifies Braxton's intricate layering of themes and motifs, inviting listeners into a rich tapestry of sound that balances composition with improvisation.
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    Comp. 172 / Comp. 161 / Comp. 69m / Comp. 23c / Comp. 124 + (108c + 147), Part 1 — In this piece, Braxton showcases his mastery of rhythmic complexity and dynamic contrasts, creating an engaging dialogue among the musicians that highlights their virtuosity.
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    Comp. 159 + (30 + 108a) / Comp. 40 (o) / Comp. 69f / Comp. 173 / Comp. 69 (o) / Comp. 52, Part 2 — The second part deepens the exploratory nature of the first, further emphasizing the improvisational freedom that defines Braxton's artistic vision while maintaining cohesion.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases Braxton's style but isn't widely recognized.
Themes
avant-garde exploration· Santa Cruz improvisation· complex rhythmic dialogue
Career context
By 1993, Anthony Braxton had established himself as a pioneering figure in avant-garde jazz, following his influential works like 'For Alto' and 'Creative Orchestra Music'. 'Quartet (Santa Cruz) 1993' serves as a testament to his innovative approach, showcasing the evolution of his complex compositional techniques and ensemble interplay during a prolific period of his career.
Stylistic neighbors
Ornette Coleman· Sun Ra· Henry Threadgill

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Comp. 159 + (30 + 108a) / Comp. 40 (o) / Comp. 69f / Comp. 173 / Comp. 69 (o) / Comp. 52, Part 1 38:58
  • 2 Comp. 159 + (30 + 108a) / Comp. 40 (o) / Comp. 69f / Comp. 173 / Comp. 69 (o) / Comp. 52, Part 2 37:09

Disc 2

  • 1 Comp. 172 / Comp. 161 / Comp. 69m / Comp. 23c / Comp. 124 + (108c + 147), Part 1 39:11
  • 2 Comp. 172 / Comp. 161 / Comp. 69m / Comp. 23c / Comp. 124 + (108c + 147), Part 2 29:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata