Sand
Allan Holdsworth · 1987
35 min · 6 tracks · jazz
Intricate guitar work intertwines with jazz fusion rhythms, creating a dynamic soundscape that is both cerebral and emotive.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sand — The title track encapsulates Holdsworth's signature style, featuring intricate guitar solos that balance technical precision with emotional depth.
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Distance vs. Desire — This track stands out for its harmonic richness and melodic exploration, highlighting Holdsworth's ability to convey longing through his guitar work.
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The 4.15 Bradford Executive — With its extended improvisational sections, this piece showcases the band's tight interplay and Holdsworth's masterful command over melody and rhythm.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalHoldsworth's intricate compositions and virtuosic guitar work define this influential jazz fusion album.
What we noticed
- Each track typically builds around a central theme, with variations introduced through improvisation and dynamic shifts.
- The final track includes an extended outro that gradually reduces in intensity, allowing the listener to absorb the preceding material.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- steady progression with climactic moments
- intricate guitar work exploration
- cerebral engagement for focused listening
- captivating soundscapes for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1987, Sand was Allan Holdsworth's fourth studio album and came during a period of growing recognition for his virtuosic guitar skills. Following his earlier work with Soft Machine and UK, this album showcased his unique blend of jazz fusion and progressive rock, solidifying his reputation as a groundbreaking guitarist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John McLaughlin· Pat Metheny· Frank Gambale
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sand 5:25
- 2 Distance vs. Desire 5:16
- 3 Pud Wud 6:44
- 4 Clown 5:14
- 5 The 4.15 Bradford Executive 8:28
- 6 Mac Man 4:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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