What does Sketches of Tokyo sound like?

A vibrant fusion of jazz and world music that evokes the essence of Tokyo's urban landscape. Rooted in jazz and modern jazz. Start with "Epistrophy".

Is Sketches of Tokyo a good place to start with David Murray?

Yes, Sketches of Tokyo is recommended as a starting point for new David Murray listeners. A vibrant fusion of jazz and world music that evokes the essence of Tokyo's urban landscape. By 1986, David Murray was already an established figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, known for his innovative saxophone work. 'Sketches of Tokyo' came after his critically acclaimed album 'Ming,' further solidifying his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist blending jazz with global influences.

Who is Sketches of Tokyo for?

Sketches of Tokyo works well if you're into steady rhythm for focused listening, urban exploration ambiance and mellow moments for relaxation.

How many songs are on Sketches of Tokyo?

Sketches of Tokyo has 6 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Sketches of Tokyo

David Murray · 1986

44 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and world music that evokes the essence of Tokyo's urban landscape.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Epistrophy Start here — The track serves as a bold opener, showcasing Murray's mastery of rhythm and improvisation while paying homage to Thelonious Monk's original composition.
→
Blues in the Pocket — This piece highlights Murray's ability to blend traditional blues elements with complex jazz structures, creating a deep emotional resonance.
→
Sketches of Tokyo — The title track encapsulates the album's theme, weaving together intricate melodies that evoke the bustling spirit of Tokyo through rich instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

71 /100

Treeline

Higher than 52% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz with world music elements, showcasing strong improvisational skills and unique soundscapes.

What we noticed

The album opens with a reinterpretation of 'Epistrophy', setting a complex rhythmic foundation that persists throughout.
Each track features extended improvisation, allowing the musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to traditional song structures.
The final track, 'Sketches of Tokyo', incorporates ambient sounds and field recordings, creating an immersive atmosphere that contrasts with the preceding pieces.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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 rhythm for focused listening
urban exploration ambiance
mellow moments for relaxation
rich textures for headphone detail
thoughtful transitions throughout album

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Incorporates world music into jazz, marking a departure from his established sound.
Career context: By 1986, David Murray was already an established figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, known for his innovative saxophone work. 'Sketches of Tokyo' came after his critically acclaimed album 'Ming,' further solidifying his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist blending jazz with global influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Henry Threadgill· Ornette Coleman· Charles Lloyd