Three Windows
Modern Jazz Quartet · 1987
51 min · 5 tracks · cool jazz
A sophisticated blend of cool jazz harmonies and intricate melodies that evokes a serene yet dynamic ambiance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Three Windows Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its intricate arrangements and conversational interplay between instruments, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Encounter in Cagnes — This extended piece showcases the quartet's ability to weave complex musical narratives, featuring improvisation that reflects both spontaneity and structure.
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A Day in Dubrovnik — At over sixteen minutes, this track immerses listeners in an evocative soundscape reminiscent of travel and exploration, highlighting the band's melodic storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album features intricate melodies and varied arrangements, maintaining a cohesive yet dynamic flow.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a slow build, layering instruments gradually over its nearly six-minute runtime.
- Each of the five tracks showcases distinct melodic themes, often revisiting them in varied arrangements throughout the piece.
- The final track employs a subtle tempo shift, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the more upbeat pieces earlier in the album.
- 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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6/10
- 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
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for focused listening
- elegant harmonies for relaxed afternoons
- gradual builds with satisfying resolutions
- intricate rhythms for attentive engagement
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party music
Where this album fits
- Themes
- Cagnes improvisation· Dubrovnik soundscapes· conversational interplay
- Career context
- By 1987, the Modern Jazz Quartet was in a period of artistic reflection, marked by their return after a five-year hiatus since their previous album. 'Three Windows' served as a re-establishment of their signature sound while embracing contemporary influences, showcasing the group's adaptability within the evolving jazz landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bill Evans· Dave Brubeck· Gerry Mulligan
Tracklist
- 1 Three Windows Start here 8:16
- 2 Kansas City Breaks 6:33
- 3 Encounter in Cagnes 12:31
- 4 Django 7:58
- 5 A Day in Dubrovnik 16:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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