The Bad Guys
Roscoe Mitchell · 2003
62 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A vibrant exploration of improvisation, blending intricate rhythms with eclectic influences that challenge traditional jazz boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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Down in the Basement — This expansive piece allows for deep exploration of sound textures, showcasing Mitchell's mastery of improvisation and interaction with his ensemble.
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Do That Dance Called the Tangler — With its infectious rhythm and playful structure, this track exemplifies the blend of spontaneity and composition that defines the album.
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The Bad Guys — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic core, merging complex melodies with an adventurous spirit that invites listener engagement.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's innovative improvisation and eclectic influences mark it as a distinctive entry in avant-garde jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections where musicians frequently shift roles, creating a dynamic interplay.
- Each track varies in tempo and structure, with some pieces featuring abrupt transitions that challenge conventional jazz forms.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- long-form improvisational explorations
- dynamic rhythmic shifts throughout
- playful experimentation with structure
- intricate patterns for attentive listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song formats
- seek quick, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2003, Roscoe Mitchell had established himself as a pioneering figure in avant-garde jazz, with 'The Bad Guys' being his first studio release after a five-year hiatus. This album arrives following his influential work in the Art Ensemble of Chicago, marking a return to solo endeavors and showcasing his evolution as a composer and improviser.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Henry Threadgill· Ornette Coleman· Anthony Braxton
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Choro por Merilina 7:36
- 2 Down in the Basement 13:35
- 3 Oh, See How They Run to L.A. 9:17
- 4 Do That Dance Called the Tangler 15:36
- 5 The Bad Guys 11:10
- 6 That Would Be Fine 4:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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