What makes Smokestack by Andrew Hill notable?

Smokestack was well-received by critics and is noted for its adventurous compositions, pushing the boundaries of jazz at the time. Its influence can be seen in subsequent avant-garde movements and it is often cited as an essential work within Hill's discography, highlighting his innovative contributions to the genre. Released in 1964, Smokestack was Andrew Hill's fifth album, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the avant-garde jazz movement. Following his acclaimed albums such as Point of Departure, this record features a distinctive blend of hard bop and experimental elements that characterized his style during this period.

Who is Smokestack for?

Smokestack works well if you're into intricate rhythms that invite exploration, challenging soundscapes for attentive listeners and multi-layered textures for deep focus.

How many songs are on Smokestack?

Smokestack has 11 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

Smokestack

Andrew Hill · 1964

61 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A swirling exploration of improvisation where complex rhythms intertwine with haunting melodies, showcasing Hill's innovative approach to jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Smoke Stack — The title track sets the tone for the album with its intricate interplay between rhythm and melody, exemplifying Hill's unique compositional style.
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Wailing Wall — This track features a haunting piano motif that evolves throughout, showcasing Hill's ability to blend dissonance with lyrical beauty.
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Ode to Von — An homage to fellow musician Von Freeman, this piece combines heartfelt expression with complex harmonies, capturing Hill's emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative compositions and complex rhythms, marking it as a significant work in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

The album includes moments of stark contrast, such as sudden shifts from frenetic ensemble playing to sparse solo sections, enhancing its exploratory nature.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

intricate rhythms that invite exploration
challenging soundscapes for attentive listeners
multi-layered textures for deep focus
alternate takes for comparative listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking straightforward musical narratives
prefer predictable song structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1964, Smokestack was Andrew Hill's fifth album, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the avant-garde jazz movement. Following his acclaimed albums such as Point of Departure, this record features a distinctive blend of hard bop and experimental elements that characterized his style during this period.
Stylistic neighbors: Eric Dolphy· Cecil Taylor· Ornette Coleman

Tracklist

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

1 Smoke Stack 5:04
2 The Day After 5:12
3 Wailing Wall 5:49
4 Ode to Von 4:30
5 Not So 6:28
6 Verne 5:52
7 30 Pier Avenue 7:10
8 Smoke Stack (alternate take) 4:21
9 The Day After (alternate take) 4:51
10 Ode to Von (alternate take) 5:30
11 Not So (alternate take) 6:29

What to play next

Listen next

Black Fire

1964

Go back to

Sittin' in at Jorgie's Jazz Club

1961

Full Andrew Hill discography Artists like Andrew Hill

avant-garde jazz bebop hard bop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata