Timeless Tales
Joshua Redman · 1998
63 min · 17 tracks · jazz
A seamless blend of jazz standards and innovative reinterpretations showcasing a masterful command of improvisation and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Summertime — This opener reimagines Gershwin's classic with a contemplative tempo and intricate saxophone lines that set the tone for the entire album.
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The Times They Are A-Changin' — Redman's interpretation transforms Dylan's protest anthem into a poignant jazz ballad, highlighting his ability to blend genres while maintaining emotional weight.
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Eleanor Rigby — This track turns the Beatles' song into a lush, atmospheric piece, showcasing Redman's expressive saxophone work and innovative arrangements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's blend of standards and improvisation highlights Redman's skill while maintaining a cohesive yet dynamic flow.
What we noticed
- The album features a series of jazz standards interspersed with short interludes that create a reflective atmosphere between the main tracks.
- Each track showcases intricate improvisation, with Redman's saxophone weaving through complex harmonies and rhythms.
- The arrangement often shifts dynamics within tracks, alternating between softer, contemplative passages and more vigorous, expressive sections.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- wave-like pacing with interludes
- emotional depth through improvisation
- reflective moments of nostalgia
- background warmth for relaxation
- dynamic journey with seamless transitions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1998, Timeless Tales marks Joshua Redman's fourth studio album, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the post-bop jazz scene. Following the critical success of his previous records, this album showcases Redman's growth as an artist and his deepening exploration of jazz classics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brad Mehldau· Chris Potter· Kurt Rosenwinkel
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Summertime 6:16
- 2 Interlude 1 0:45
- 3 Visions 4:24
- 4 Yesterdays 7:19
- 5 Interlude 2 0:34
- 6 I Had a King 5:39
- 7 The Times They Are A-Changin' 5:07
- 8 Interlude 3 0:20
- 9 It Might as Well Be Spring 6:28
- 10 Interlude 4 0:13
- 11 How Deep Is the Ocean 4:03
- 12 Interlude 5 0:24
- 13 Love for Sale 6:31
- 14 Interlude 6 0:58
- 15 Eleanor Rigby 8:46
- 16 Interlude 7 0:34
- 17 How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore 5:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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