What makes The Black Ark by Noah Howard notable?

The Black Ark is notable for its contribution to the free jazz genre, reflecting the era's radical artistic experimentation. It has received critical acclaim for its bold approach to improvisation and has influenced subsequent generations of jazz musicians seeking to push beyond conventional boundaries. When Noah Howard released The Black Ark in 1969, he was establishing himself as a significant voice in the free jazz movement, following his previous release, the 1968 album Attica Blues. This record showcased his growth as an artist, demonstrating a commitment to innovative soundscapes and improvisational techniques that would define his work moving forward.

How many songs are on The Black Ark?

The Black Ark has 4 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

The Black Ark

Noah Howard · 1969

40 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A free jazz exploration featuring intense improvisation and intricate interplay among musicians over expansive, meditative structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Domiabra — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its lengthy improvisations and complex harmonic structures, showcasing Howard's visionary approach to jazz.
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Mount Fuji — At over fifteen minutes, this track exemplifies the album's ethos of exploration, with its gradual build-up and intricate dialogues between instruments that evoke a sense of grandeur.
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Ole Negro — The piece provides a contrasting rhythmic intensity while maintaining an air of introspection, illustrating Howard's ability to balance aggression with subtlety within the free jazz framework.

Tracklist

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

1 Domiabra 10:31
2 Ole Negro 8:49
3 Mount Fuji 15:31
4 Queen Anne 5:43

What to play next

Go back to

At Judson Hall

1968

Full Noah Howard discography Artists like Noah Howard

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata