Septet
Chick Corea · 1985
41 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of interwoven melodies and intricate rhythms showcases Corea's avant-garde jazz mastery.
Top tracks — play these first
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First Movement Start here — This brief opener sets the tone for the entire album, introducing a playful yet complex interplay among the musicians that captures Corea's signature style.
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Third Movement — At over eight minutes long, this track showcases the ensemble's improvisational skill while exploring deep emotional landscapes through intricate melodies and harmonies.
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The Temple of Isfahan — Drawing on Middle Eastern influences, this expansive piece highlights Corea's versatility and ability to merge different musical traditions into a cohesive whole.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's ambitious structure and intricate interplay highlight Corea's innovative approach to jazz.
What we noticed
- The album consists of six tracks, each labeled as a movement, creating a classical suite-like structure.
- The final track diverges from the previous movements with a distinct melodic theme that contrasts the earlier complexity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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9/10
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
- wave-like dynamic listening experience
- improvisational flair for detail hunters
- gradual build towards climactic peak
- thoughtful engagement with intricate melodies
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, short tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Corea's avant-garde mastery with innovative orchestration, receiving critical acclaim.
- Themes
- Middle Eastern influences· avant-garde improvisation· complex group dynamics
- Career context
- By 1985, Chick Corea had established himself as a leading figure in jazz, particularly with the success of his previous album 'No Mystery' and the formation of various ensembles. 'Septet' marks a continuation of his exploration into complex compositions and group dynamics, demonstrating his ability to push boundaries while maintaining melodic accessibility.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Herbie Hancock· Keith Jarrett· McCoy Tyner
Tracklist
- 1 First Movement Start here 1:57
- 2 Second Movement 2:20
- 3 Third Movement 8:08
- 4 Fourth Movement 5:31
- 5 Fifth Movement 9:58
- 6 The Temple of Isfahan 13:49
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
Shares a deep spiritual quest and complex improvisational structures, enhancing melodic exploration.
Future Shock
Herbie Hancock
Combines intricate rhythms with avant-garde elements, reflecting a similar push into jazz's experimental boundaries.
Space Is the Place
Sun Ra
Explores avant-garde themes with rich textures and group dynamics, intertwining cosmic philosophy and jazz.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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