What makes The Parting Tide by Nightnoise notable?

This album is significant as it helped establish Nightnoise as pioneers in the genre of Celtic jazz fusion, contributing to a growing interest in instrumental music that blends different cultural influences. Its critical reception was positive, with particular praise for its atmospheric quality and musicianship, further enhancing the band's reputation. The Parting Tide is Nightnoise's second album, released in 1990 after their debut, Shadow of Time, in 1987. At this point in their career, the band had begun to solidify their unique blend of jazz and traditional Celtic influences, gaining recognition in the contemporary instrumental scene.

How many songs are on The Parting Tide?

The Parting Tide has 9 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

The Parting Tide

Nightnoise · 1990

46 min · 9 tracks · jazz

Ethereal melodies intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a dreamlike soundscape that reflects Irish musical traditions.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bleu — Opening the album, this track sets a captivating tone with its flowing melody and intricate harmonies, encapsulating the band's signature style.
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An Irish Carol — This piece showcases the band's ability to merge traditional Irish themes with lush instrumentation, creating a poignant listening experience that resonates deeply.
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Island of Hope and Tears — A standout track that combines reflective lyrics with rich musical textures, it highlights the emotional depth present throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and Celtic influences effectively, creating a cohesive and distinctive sound.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered instrumentation, with strings and woodwinds weaving around a central melodic line.
Each track maintains a moderate tempo, with rhythmic variations that create a flowing, dance-like quality throughout.
The final track concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving an ethereal sense of resolution.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Bleu 4:58
2 An Irish Carol 8:03
3 Jig of Sorts 3:29
4 Through the Castle Garden 2:52
5 Island of Hope and Tears 4:52
6 The Kid in the Cot 6:08
7 The Tryst 4:25
8 Snow Is Lightly Falling 3:59
9 The Abbot 7:42

What to play next

Listen next

Shadow of Time

1993

Go back to

At the End of the Evening

1988

Full Nightnoise discography Artists like Nightnoise

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata