What makes The Plot by Enrico Rava notable?

'The Plot' is significant for its innovative blend of styles that contributed to the evolution of Italian jazz during the late 1970s. The album received positive critical reception, solidifying Rava's reputation on both the European and international jazz scenes. When 'The Plot' was released in 1977, Enrico Rava had already established himself as a significant figure in European jazz, following his acclaimed album 'New York Days' from 1976. This album marks a critical phase in his career as he began to delve deeper into the fusion of jazz with contemporary influences, showcasing his evolving artistry.

The Plot works well if you're into exploratory improvisation for deep listening, patient unfolding of intricate melodies and late-night contemplative sessions.

How many songs are on The Plot?

The Plot has 6 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

The Plot

Enrico Rava · 1977

45 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of improvisation and melodic exploration, blending traditional jazz with avant-garde elements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tribe — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its intricate interplay between instruments, establishing Rava's unique voice within the ensemble.
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Amici — A standout piece that features a captivating exchange of melodies, highlighting Rava's trumpet work alongside rich harmonic textures.
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The Plot — The title track showcases an expansive structure, allowing for extensive improvisation and demonstrating Rava's mastery in guiding the ensemble through complex musical landscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisation and unique stylistic blends, marking a notable point in Rava's career.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections, with each track allowing for significant soloing by various instruments.
Tracks often shift dynamics abruptly, moving from quiet, introspective passages to vibrant, energetic bursts.

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

Influence 3/10

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

exploratory improvisation for deep listening
patient unfolding of intricate melodies
late-night contemplative sessions
rich emotional textures to explore

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context: When 'The Plot' was released in 1977, Enrico Rava had already established himself as a significant figure in European jazz, following his acclaimed album 'New York Days' from 1976. This album marks a critical phase in his career as he began to delve deeper into the fusion of jazz with contemporary influences, showcasing his evolving artistry.
Stylistic neighbors: Paolo Fresu· Tomasz Stańko· Mark Turner