Stone in the Water cover

Stone in the Water

Stefano Bollani · 2009

61 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A serene blend of jazz improvisation and classical influences, weaving intricate melodies with a playful spirit.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dom de iludir — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its playful yet intricate piano lines, showcasing Bollani's virtuosic technique and improvisational flair.
  • →
    Orvieto — Orvieto features captivating melodic lines that ebb and flow like water, drawing listeners into a contemplative space that reflects the album's theme.
  • →
    Improvisation 13 en la mineur — This track exemplifies Bollani's spontaneous creativity, featuring an engaging interplay between rhythm and melody that highlights his prowess as an improviser.

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

Bollani's blend of jazz and classical influences creates a distinctive sound that rewards attentive listening.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of intricate piano melodies that intertwine with subtle rhythmic shifts throughout its nine tracks.
  • Several tracks include extended improvisational sections, allowing for spontaneous musical dialogue between the instruments.
  • The arrangement often incorporates classical elements, such as counterpoint and thematic development, which adds depth to the jazz framework.
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 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • dynamic exploration of melodies
  • wave-like pacing throughout album
  • lyrical improvisation inviting reflection
  • for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2009, Stone in the Water is Stefano Bollani's fourth studio album, emerging after his acclaimed work on the album Gleda. At this point in his career, Bollani was establishing himself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, known for his inventive approach to piano and composition.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Brad Mehldau· Hiromi Uehara

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Dom de iludir 5:54
  • 2 Orvieto 8:01
  • 3 Edith 7:29
  • 4 Brigas nunca mais 6:27
  • 5 Il cervello del pavone 7:06
  • 6 Un sasso nello stagno 5:52
  • 7 Improvisation 13 en la mineur 6:18
  • 8 Asuda 8:13
  • 9 Joker in the Village 6:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata