Thesaurus
Clare Fischer · 1969
39 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of complex jazz harmonies and intricate arrangements, weaving an avant-garde tapestry of sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Miles Behind — This track features intricate harmonic progressions that illustrate Fischer's ability to blend traditional jazz with avant-garde influences, making it a standout piece on the album.
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'Twas Only Yesterday — The composition showcases Fischer's lush orchestration and emotive melodies, effectively capturing the essence of nostalgia while pushing the boundaries of jazz.
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In Memoriam (John F & Robert F Kennedy) — This poignant tribute uses minimalist instrumentation to evoke deep emotional resonance, reflecting on loss and political turmoil during a pivotal moment in American history.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThesaurus blends complex jazz harmonies and arrangements, showcasing Fischer's growth as a composer.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate arrangements with multiple layers of instrumentation, often shifting between sections without clear verse-chorus structures.
- Each track showcases complex harmonies that incorporate dissonance and unexpected chord progressions, creating a rich tapestry of sound.
- The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some pieces maintaining a brisk pace while others explore slower, more contemplative moods.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- vibrant fusion of intricate arrangements
- thoughtful reflections on historical figures
- short bursts of complex harmonies
- engaging late-night listening sessions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, simple melodies
- seek constant high-energy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1969, Thesaurus marked Clare Fischer's third album and showcased his growth as a composer and arranger following his earlier works. By this point, he had already established himself in the jazz scene, blending classical influences with innovative jazz elements, which would define his career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bill Evans· Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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'Twas Only Yesterday
The chorus shifts from nostalgic reverie to a more somber tone, introducing dissonant chords that capture a sense of longing.
This shift in harmony marks a departure from the earlier lightness, emphasizing the emotional weight carried throughout the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Duke 4:53
- 2 Miles Behind 5:03
- 3 Calamus 4:44
- 4 Lennie's Pennies 5:22
- 5 'Twas Only Yesterday 6:29
- 6 Bitter Leaf 6:58
- 7 Upper Manhattan Medical Group 4:11
- 8 In Memoriam (John F & Robert F Kennedy) 1:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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