Is Time Travel a good place to start with Dave Douglas?

Yes, Time Travel is recommended as a starting point for new Dave Douglas listeners. Innovative jazz compositions blend intricate rhythms and improvisation, creating an auditory journey through time and memory. When 'Time Travel' was released in 2013, Dave Douglas was already an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his inventive work and collaborations. This album followed his acclaimed project 'Be Still' and marked a continuation of his exploration into complex arrangements and thematic depth.

Who is Time Travel for?

Time Travel works well if you're into steady rhythmic explorations unfold, immersive journey through sound and intricate melodies demand attention.

How many songs are on Time Travel?

Time Travel has 7 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Time Travel

Dave Douglas · 2013

54 min · 7 tracks · jazz

Innovative jazz compositions blend intricate rhythms and improvisation, creating an auditory journey through time and memory.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Time Travel — The title track encapsulates the album's core themes, using a layering technique that mirrors the complexities of memory and history, inviting listeners on a reflective journey.
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Bridge to Nowhere Start here — Opening the album, this track combines bold brass arrangements with subtle electronic elements, setting a tone of exploration and innovation that permeates the entire project.
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Law of Historical Memory — This piece stands out for its intricate time signature changes and rich melodic lines, illustrating Douglas's skill in weaving narrative through musical expression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

Innovative compositions and varied instrumentation create a compelling jazz experience.

What we noticed

Each track showcases a different ensemble configuration, with varying instrumentation that keeps the sound fresh throughout.
Improvisational sections are interspersed with composed passages, allowing for spontaneous exploration within structured frameworks.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

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

steady rhythmic explorations unfold
immersive journey through sound
intricate melodies demand attention
thoughtful reflection during listening
for focused work sessions

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek standalone radio singles

Where this album fits

Themes: auditory journey· historical reflection· innovative brass arrangements
Moods: Intense· Focus
Career context: When 'Time Travel' was released in 2013, Dave Douglas was already an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his inventive work and collaborations. This album followed his acclaimed project 'Be Still' and marked a continuation of his exploration into complex arrangements and thematic depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Chris Potter· Avishai Cohen· Maria Schneider