What makes The Struggle Continues by Dewey Redman notable?

The Struggle Continues received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to free jazz, contributing to Redman's reputation as an influential figure in the genre. It showcased a maturity in composition and performance that resonated within jazz circles, influencing subsequent artists in the avant-garde movement. Released in 1982, The Struggle Continues is Dewey Redman's third album as a bandleader and follows his critically acclaimed work on the album 'The Ear of the Beholder.' At this point in his career, Redman was establishing himself as a prominent voice in the avant-garde jazz scene, leveraging his collaborations with notable figures like Keith Jarrett to expand his artistic reach.

How many songs are on The Struggle Continues?

The Struggle Continues has 6 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

The Struggle Continues

Dewey Redman · 1982

44 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of free jazz, blending intricate saxophone lines with dynamic rhythms and soulful improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Thren — This opening track sets a contemplative tone, featuring haunting melodies that showcase Redman's emotive saxophone style while allowing for extensive improvisation.
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Love Is — Clocking in at over ten minutes, this track exemplifies the album's exploratory spirit, combining lyrical themes with complex harmonies and spontaneous interactions among musicians.
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Dewey Square — This piece highlights Redman's ability to weave intricate narratives through sound, employing a mix of structured motifs and freeform passages that create a vibrant musical landscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisation and varied dynamics, contributing to its distinct sound within free jazz.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections where the saxophone often takes the lead, supported by a fluid rhythm section.
Each track varies in tempo and intensity, with some pieces building to climactic moments while others maintain a more subdued atmosphere.
The use of space and silence is prominent, allowing for moments of tension and release throughout the record.

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: 5/10

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 Thren 7:45
2 Love Is 10:25
3 Turn Over Baby 4:28
4 Joie de vivre 8:27
5 Combinations 5:22
6 Dewey Square 8:00

What to play next

Listen next

Living on the Edge

1991

Go back to

Musics

1979

Full Dewey Redman discography Artists like Dewey Redman

free jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata