Spirits in the Field cover

Spirits in the Field

Arthur Blythe · 2000

57 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of intricate melodies and rhythmic exploration, merging traditional jazz with contemporary improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    One Mint Julep — This track stands out through its engaging arrangement that reinterprets the classic tune, highlighting Blythe's melodic ingenuity and interaction with the ensemble.
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    Spirits in the Field — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its rich textures and exploratory spirit, showcasing Blythe's ability to weave complex narratives through sound.
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    Ah George, We Hardly Knew You — This piece features a poignant tribute-like atmosphere, demonstrating Blythe's emotional depth while allowing for expansive improvisational solos that elevate the performance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

Blythe's innovative melodies and improvisational style create a distinctive jazz experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of intricate melodies that weave in and out of the rhythmic structures, creating a dynamic interplay.
  • Each track showcases extended improvisation sections where the alto saxophone takes center stage, often accompanied by a shifting rhythm section.
  • The sequencing of tracks builds tension and release, with several pieces gradually increasing in intensity before resolving into quieter passages.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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 3/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 One Mint Julep 6:34
  • 2 Miss Nancy 7:27
  • 3 Odessa 11:00
  • 4 Rambler 9:30
  • 5 Spirits in the Field 3:24
  • 6 Lenox Avenue Breakdown 6:37
  • 7 Ah George, We Hardly Knew You 7:24
  • 8 Break Tune #2 5:56

What to play next

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jazz fusion

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata