Surrounded by Sea
Andy Sheppard · 2015
53 min · 12 tracks · jazz
Fluid improvisation intertwines with structured compositions, creating a meditative landscape that shifts between introspection and vibrant expression.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tipping Point — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its dynamic interplay between melody and rhythm, showcasing Sheppard's improvisational prowess.
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Medication — The track stands out with its haunting melodies and intricate arrangements, capturing the essence of vulnerability that permeates the album.
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Looking for Ornette — Paying homage to Ornette Coleman, this track exemplifies Sheppard's innovative approach to jazz, blending homage with personal interpretation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends improvisation with structured pieces, showcasing Sheppard's saxophone work in a cohesive manner.
What we noticed
- Several tracks are divided into parts, such as 'Aoidh, Na Dean Cadal Idir' which has three distinct segments that explore different musical themes.
- The use of space and silence is prominent, with tracks like 'The Impossibility of Silence' emphasizing minimalism and texture.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- lyrical melodies inviting introspection
- patient exploration of soundscapes
- rich improvisation for detail seekers
- evening relaxation with subtle nuances
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat danceable tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2015, Andy Sheppard was well-established in the jazz scene, having gained recognition for his distinctive saxophone style. 'Surrounded by Sea' marked his return after a three-year hiatus following 'Moving Standards', showcasing his evolution as both a performer and composer.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jan Garbarek· Tord Gustavsen· Nils Frahm
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Tipping Point 6:16
- 2 I Want to Vanish 5:15
- 3 Aoidh, Na Dean Cadal Idir (Part 1) 4:17
- 4 Origin of Species 5:06
- 5 They Aren’t Perfect and Neither Am I 5:09
- 6 Medication 5:02
- 7 Aoidh, Na Dean Cadal Idir (Part 2) 1:14
- 8 The Impossibility of Silence 6:18
- 9 I See Your Eyes Before Me 3:49
- 10 A Letter 4:19
- 11 Aoidh, Na Dean Cadal Idir (Part 3) 3:29
- 12 Looking for Ornette 3:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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