The Imagined Savior is Far Easier to Paint cover

The Imagined Savior is Far Easier to Paint

Ambrose Akinmusire · 2014

78 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A kaleidoscopic blend of modern jazz and intricate textures, weaving haunting melodies with profound improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    Marie Christie — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its delicate interplay between melody and rhythm, showcasing Akinmusire's lyrical trumpet style.
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    As We Fight — This piece reflects the album's overarching themes of struggle and resilience through its dynamic shifts and emotive solos from both Akinmusire and his band.
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    Ceaseless Inexhaustible Child — With its expansive arrangement and reflective mood, this track epitomizes Akinmusire's ability to blend intricate compositions with spontaneous improvisation.
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    Richard (conduit) — The album's closer offers an ambitious exploration of sound and emotion, featuring extended improvisation that challenges traditional jazz boundaries.

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 complex arrangements and strong improvisation, making it rewarding for repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisational sections where the trumpet often leads, supported by intricate rhythms from the piano and drums.
  • The last three tracks gradually decrease in tempo and intensity, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • immersive soundscapes for deep focus
  • extended tracks encourage exploration
  • dynamic shifts in emotional tone
  • playful improvisation with subtle depth

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer predictable song structures
  • seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2014, The Imagined Savior is Far Easier to Paint marked Ambrose Akinmusire's third studio album, following his acclaimed 2013 release, The Way Up. At this stage, Akinmusire was establishing himself as a significant voice in contemporary jazz, recognized for his unique approach to composition and improvisation.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Marie Christie 3:17
  • 2 As We Fight 6:25
  • 3 Our Basement 6:28
  • 4 Vartha 7:48
  • 5 Memo 5:53
  • 6 The Beauty of Dissolving Portraits 4:14
  • 7 Asiam 6:03
  • 8 Bubbles 3:55
  • 9 Ceaseless Inexhaustible Child 6:12
  • 10 Rollcall for Those Absent 3:39
  • 11 J.E. Nilmah 5:13
  • 12 Inflatedbyspinning 3:03
  • 13 Richard (conduit) 16:28

What to play next

A Rift in Decorum
Listen next

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When the Heart Emerges Glistening

2011
Full Ambrose Akinmusire discography Artists like Ambrose Akinmusire
jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata