What makes Tap: Book of Angels Volume 20 by Pat Metheny notable?

This album is part of Zorn's 'Book of Angels' series, which has significantly influenced avant-garde jazz and expanded the boundaries of contemporary jazz interpretations. It received positive reviews for its creative arrangements and Metheny's virtuosic guitar work, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in modern jazz. In 2013, Pat Metheny was at a prolific stage in his career, following his acclaimed album 'Unity Band' released the previous year. 'Tap: Book of Angels Volume 20' marks his continued collaboration with the music of John Zorn, showcasing Metheny's ability to reinvent and adapt to diverse musical landscapes while remaining rooted in jazz.

Who is Tap: Book of Angels Volume 20 for?

Tap: Book of Angels Volume 20 works well if you're into steady pacing with gradual builds, intricate harmonies for deep focus and reflective listening during quiet moments.

How many songs are on Tap: Book of Angels Volume 20?

Tap: Book of Angels Volume 20 has 6 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Tap: Book of Angels Volume 20

Pat Metheny · 2013

50 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of intricate melodies and rhythmic explorations, blending jazz improvisation with world music influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mastema — Opening the album, this track features a haunting melody driven by complex rhythms that sets an introspective tone and showcases Metheny's emotive playing.
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Sariel — With its expansive arrangement, this piece highlights the interplay between Metheny's guitar and the supporting instruments, creating a rich sonic landscape that embodies the album's adventurous spirit.
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Phanuel — This track stands out for its intricate harmonic structures and dynamic shifts, allowing Metheny to explore both lyrical phrases and frenetic improvisation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and diverse instrumentation, making it a notable entry in contemporary jazz.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing with gradual builds
intricate harmonies for deep focus
reflective listening during quiet moments
rich textures for attentive exploration

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: In 2013, Pat Metheny was at a prolific stage in his career, following his acclaimed album 'Unity Band' released the previous year. 'Tap: Book of Angels Volume 20' marks his continued collaboration with the music of John Zorn, showcasing Metheny's ability to reinvent and adapt to diverse musical landscapes while remaining rooted in jazz.
Stylistic neighbors: Brad Mehldau· John Scofield· Chick Corea