The Bandwagon (album)
Jason Moran · 2003
58 min · 10 tracks · blues
A vibrant blend of jazz and blues, weaving intricate melodies with rhythmic explorations and a contemporary edge.
Top tracks — play these first
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Another One — This track exemplifies Moran's ability to blend complex rhythmic structures with melodic improvisation, creating a captivating listening experience.
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Gangsterism on Stages — The piece stands out for its dynamic interplay between the band members, showcasing Moran's leadership and vision while pushing the boundaries of jazz.
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Planet Rock — In this track, Moran infuses hip-hop elements into jazz, illustrating his knack for genre fusion and appealing to a broader audience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate melodies and rhythmic explorations, blending jazz and blues with contemporary elements.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro that sets a contemplative tone before transitioning into more rhythmically complex tracks.
- Several tracks feature unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Ringing My Phone', which shifts from a laid-back groove to a faster pace.
- The final track, 'Planet Rock', incorporates elements of hip-hop, contrasting with the jazz and blues influences present in earlier songs.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- wave-like pacing for exploration
- intricate improvisations that surprise
- dynamic peaks and valleys
- cultural references spark curiosity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, predictable sounds
- dislike extended track lengths
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When Jason Moran released The Bandwagon in 2003, he was establishing himself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz. This album followed his critically acclaimed debut, Soundtrack to Human Motion, and showcased Moran's innovative approach to blending traditional jazz with modern influences. It marked a pivotal moment as he began to gain wider recognition for his unique compositional style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Robert Glasper· Esperanza Spalding· Kris Davis
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro (Abr.) 0:12
- 2 Another One 8:13
- 3 Intermezzo, Op. 118 No. 2 6:39
- 4 Ringing My Phone (Straight Outta Istanbul) 8:15
- 5 Out Front 7:57
- 6 Gentle Shifts South (My Folks' Folks) 4:41
- 7 Gangsterism on Stages 5:10
- 8 Body & Soul 4:14
- 9 Infospace 3:41
- 10 Planet Rock 9:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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