This Time...
Anthony Braxton · 1970
38 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A provocative blend of avant-garde jazz and experimental structures that challenge traditional musical forms and listener expectations.
Top tracks — play these first
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Composition Number 1 Start here — This track exemplifies Braxton's adventurous spirit, featuring complex time signatures and a rich tapestry of sound that reflects his innovative compositional techniques.
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Solo — In this piece, Braxton explores the depths of solo performance, showcasing his virtuosic command of the saxophone while delving into spontaneous improvisation.
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This Time... — The title track serves as a poignant conclusion to the album, encapsulating Braxton's thematic exploration of time and existence through minimalist yet impactful sonic choices.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalBraxton's debut showcases innovative structures and improvisation that set him apart in avant-garde jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features a series of short compositions, each varying in instrumentation and structure, often shifting abruptly between sections.
- Tracks like 'Solo' focus on individual improvisation, while others incorporate ensemble interplay, creating a dynamic contrast.
- 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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9/10
- 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
- dynamic exploration with resolution
- wave-like pacing for reflection
- short pieces inviting curiosity
- in-order listening experience
- improvisational moments of surprise
Maybe skip if you
- prefer structured, predictable formats
- avoid lengthy, challenging compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This Time... is Braxton's debut, establishing him as a key avant-garde jazz figure.
- Themes
- avant-garde experimentation· Chicago jazz scene· time and existence
- Career context
- Released in 1970, This Time... marks Anthony Braxton's debut album, positioning him as a pioneering voice in avant-garde jazz. Just emerging from his studies at the University of Chicago, Braxton sought to redefine musical boundaries, showcasing his innovative approach to composition and improvisation through this collection.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ornette Coleman· Sun Ra· Henry Threadgill
Tracklist
- 1 Composition Number 1 Start here 13:13
- 2 Solo 5:49
- 3 Small Composition Number 1 2:26
- 4 Small Composition Number 2 3:10
- 5 Small Composition Number 3 1:07
- 6 Small Composition Number 4 2:02
- 7 Small Composition Number 5 4:38
- 8 In The Street 4:04
- 9 This Time... 1:51
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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