What makes The Nearer the Bone, the Sweeter the Meat by Peter Brötzmann notable?

This album is significant for its bold exploration of free jazz aesthetics during a time when traditional forms were still dominant. It received critical acclaim in various music circles and has influenced generations of improvisational musicians, especially within European avant-garde scenes. By the time 'The Nearer the Bone, the Sweeter the Meat' was released in 1979, Peter Brötzmann had already established himself as a leading figure in the avant-garde jazz scene. This album follows his groundbreaking work on 'Machine Gun' (1968), further solidifying his reputation for pushing the boundaries of jazz through intense improvisation and innovative soundscapes.

How many songs are on The Nearer the Bone, the Sweeter the Meat?

The Nearer the Bone, the Sweeter the Meat has 4 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

The Nearer the Bone, the Sweeter the Meat

Peter Brötzmann · 1979

43 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A raw and visceral exploration of free jazz, merging chaotic improvisation with moments of unexpected lyrical beauty.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Long Time Service — Opening with a relentless energy, this track encapsulates Brötzmann's approach to spontaneous composition, showcasing intricate interplay among the musicians.
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The Nearer the Bone, the Sweeter the Meat — The title track exemplifies the album's thematic depth, weaving complex structures with moments of profound silence that highlight emotional intensity.
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Kucken und drücken — This piece showcases Brötzmann's signature aggressive saxophone style while integrating unconventional sounds that challenge listener expectations.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's raw improvisation and unique sound mark it as a significant entry in free jazz.

What we noticed

The album consists of four tracks, each exceeding ten minutes, allowing for extended improvisational passages.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Long Time Service 9:55
2 Kucken und drücken 13:09
3 The Nearer the Bone, the Sweeter the Meat 15:38
4 Schnell im Biss 5:17

What to play next

Listen next

3 Points and a Mountain

1979

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1978

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata