What makes The Thompson Fields by Maria Schneider notable?

The Thompson Fields received critical acclaim, securing a Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album. It is notable for its profound thematic depth, inspired by the landscapes of the Midwest, and it has influenced many contemporary jazz artists seeking to incorporate narrative elements into their compositions. Released in 2015, The Thompson Fields marked Maria Schneider's return to the studio after her Grammy-winning album, Winter Morning Walks. This album showcases her continued evolution as a composer and bandleader, further establishing her reputation within the contemporary jazz scene. At this point in her career, Schneider was recognized for blending genres and crafting pieces that reflect both personal and environmental themes.

How many songs are on The Thompson Fields?

The Thompson Fields has 8 tracks, running approximately 77 minutes.

The Thompson Fields

Maria Schneider · 2015

77 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A lush orchestral tapestry intertwines jazz harmonies with evocative storytelling, creating a vibrant sonic landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Monarch and the Milkweed — This track exemplifies Schneider's intricate arrangements and deep connection to nature, blending lush melodies with rich textures that evoke imagery of the natural world.
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Arbiters of Evolution — Its expansive length allows for a dynamic exploration of themes related to change and growth, showcasing the ensemble's improvisational skills alongside Schneider's compositional prowess.
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The Thompson Fields — Serving as the album's title track, it encapsulates the overarching theme of the work, using musical motifs to paint a vivid picture of landscapes and memory.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

79 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and high-level craftsmanship, making it rewarding for repeated listens.

What we noticed

Each track features a distinct thematic development, often reflecting the natural landscapes that inspired them.
Several tracks include extended sections of improvisation, allowing musicians to explore the themes more deeply.
The album's pacing varies significantly, with some pieces building gradually while others shift dynamics abruptly.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 Walking by Flashlight 5:01
2 The Monarch and the Milkweed 12:07
3 Arbiters of Evolution 13:59
4 The Thompson Fields 10:00
5 Home 7:46
6 Nimbus 9:29
7 A Potter's Song 5:29
8 Lembrança 13:30

What to play next

Listen next

Data Lords

2020

Go back to

Winter Morning Walks

2013

Full Maria Schneider discography Artists like Maria Schneider

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata