Sound of Love cover

Sound of Love

Paul Motian

59 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A meditative exploration of improvisation, blending intricate rhythms with lyrical melodies in a free jazz landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Misterioso — This track captures the essence of Motian's style, with its haunting melody and intricate interplay between instruments, setting the tone for the album.
  • →
    Good Morning Heartache — Motian's interpretation of this classic showcases his ability to blend emotional depth with innovative rhythmic structures, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    Duke Ellington's Sound of Love — This piece demonstrates Motian's knack for reimagining standards through a modern lens, highlighting both his respect for tradition and his push towards new boundaries.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisational skills and unique arrangements, making it a notable work in jazz.

What we noticed

  • Each track allows for extended improvisation, with musicians frequently trading solos and responding to one another's phrases.
  • The arrangement of the tracks emphasizes a meditative quality, with several pieces gradually building in intensity before resolving.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • atmospheric background focus
  • steady, consistent energy levels

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1996, 'Sound of Love' marked Paul Motian's emergence as a bandleader, following his work with influential figures like Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett. This album showcased his distinctive approach to jazz drumming and composition, solidifying his reputation within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Bill Evans· Charles Lloyd· Keith Jarrett
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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Good Morning Heartache

    The poignant refrain shifts from desolation to subtle acceptance, illustrating the complexity of human emotion.

    This shift emphasizes resilience in vulnerability, showcasing Motian's interpretive depth beyond mere technical prowess.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Misterioso 13:27
  • 2 Duke Ellington's Sound of Love 9:13
  • 3 Mumbo Jumbo 7:31
  • 4 Once Around the Park 6:52
  • 5 Good Morning Heartache 8:59
  • 6 Epistrophy 7:15
  • 7 Play 6:08

What to play next

Motian in Tokyo
Listen next

Motian in Tokyo
Full Paul Motian discography Where to start with Paul Motian Artists like Paul Motian
free jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata