The Windmills of Your Mind
Paul Motian · 2011
52 min · 16 tracks · jazz
A contemplative exploration of jazz standards where intricate rhythms intermingle with atmospheric textures and soft melodic lines.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Windmills of Your Mind — This track serves as the centerpiece of the album, where Motian's delicate drumming complements expressive improvisations from the ensemble, creating a haunting atmosphere.
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Lover Man — Motian’s arrangement highlights the emotional depth of this classic standard, allowing for intricate interplay among musicians that showcases their chemistry.
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I Loves You Porgy — The interpretation reflects both tenderness and complexity, with Motian's subtle percussion enhancing the lyrical essence while inviting introspective solos from the players.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate rhythms and atmospheric textures, making it a notable entry in Motian's discography.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate extended improvisation sections, allowing musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to traditional structures.
- The sequencing includes two introductory tracks that frame the album, establishing a contemplative mood before transitioning into the main pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- gradual builds and payoffs
- late-night contemplative moods
- dynamic emotional journeys
- layered, dense sonic textures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2011, The Windmills of Your Mind marks Paul Motian's final studio album before his passing in 2011. This album represents a culmination of Motian's innovative contributions to jazz, showcasing his unique approach to rhythm and melody developed over decades as a drummer and bandleader.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bill Evans· Charles Lloyd· Keith Jarrett
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Introduction (1) 2:27
- 2 Tennessee Waltz 3:50
- 3 The Windmills of Your Mind 6:45
- 4 Let's Face the Music and Dance 1:56
- 5 Lover Man 3:28
- 6 It's Been a Long, Long Time 2:38
- 7 Little Foot 2:21
- 8 Easy Living 3:15
- 9 I've Got a Crush on You 2:42
- 10 Backup 2:30
- 11 I Loves You Porgy 4:00
- 12 Trieste 2:08
- 13 If I Could Be With You 3:17
- 14 Wednesday's Gone 2:08
- 15 I Remember You 5:44
- 16 Introduction (2) 3:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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