What makes Tangents by Gary Peacock notable?

This album received critical acclaim for its innovative compositions and seamless interplay among musicians. It contributes to the legacy of free jazz by showcasing Peacock's continued evolution as a bassist, influencing both contemporary and emerging artists within the genre. Released in January 2017, 'Tangents' marked a significant point in Gary Peacock's career as it was one of his final works before his passing in 2020. At this stage, Peacock had already established himself as a significant figure in avant-garde jazz, collaborating extensively with renowned musicians like Keith Jarrett and Paul Motian.

How many songs are on Tangents?

Tangents has 11 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Tangents

Gary Peacock · 2017

53 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A tapestry of avant-garde improvisation intertwines with meditative rhythms, crafting an atmosphere that is both serene and dynamic.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Contact — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its intricate interplay, highlighting the group's musical chemistry and improvisational skills.
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Empty Forest — This track features a haunting melody that evokes a sense of introspection, showcasing Peacock's ability to blend emotional depth with avant-garde techniques.
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Blue in Green — A reimagining of Bill Evans' classic, this rendition captures a profound melancholy while displaying Peacock's unique interpretative style.
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Tangents — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, weaving together various musical themes and showcasing the group's improvisational prowess throughout its duration.

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 strong interplay, marking an evolution in Peacock's work.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections where the bass often leads, creating a fluid dialogue with the other instruments.
The last three tracks gradually reduce in tempo and intensity, allowing for a contemplative conclusion to the album.

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 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Contact 6:39
2 December Greenwings 4:50
3 Tempei Tempo 4:10
4 Cauldron 2:29
5 Spartacus 5:10
6 Empty Forest 7:11
7 Blue in Green 4:42
8 Rumblin’ 4:07
9 Talkin’ Blues 4:04
10 In and Out 2:53
11 Tangents 6:50

What to play next

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avant-garde jazz free jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata