What makes Too Close to the Pole by Bobby Previte notable?

Too Close to the Pole received critical acclaim for its ambitious scope and experimental nature, marking a significant moment in the avant-garde jazz scene. It has influenced contemporary jazz musicians with its blend of orchestral elements and jazz improvisation, pushing boundaries that resonate in modern compositions. When Bobby Previte released Too Close to the Pole in 1996, he was transitioning from underground New York jazz scenes to broader recognition, following his acclaimed album The Black Box. This record further solidified his reputation for innovative compositions that challenge traditional jazz structures and highlight his unique approach to improvisation.

How many songs are on Too Close to the Pole?

Too Close to the Pole has 7 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Too Close to the Pole

Bobby Previte · 1996

71 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A sprawling jazz odyssey blending intricate rhythms with atmospheric soundscapes, evoking a sense of both tension and release.

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Top tracks — play these first

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3 Minute Heels — This lengthy track showcases Previte's ability to weave complex rhythmic patterns with spontaneous improvisation, creating an immersive listening experience.
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The Eleventh Hour — With its brooding atmosphere and dynamic interplay among musicians, this piece exemplifies the album's thematic exploration of urgency and introspection.
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Untitled — The closing track's prolonged duration allows for deep exploration of musical ideas, embodying the album's experimental spirit while maintaining a cohesive narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate rhythms with orchestral elements, creating a distinctive sound within the avant-garde jazz genre.

What we noticed

The album features a wide range of tempos, with tracks oscillating between frenetic rhythms and slow, meditative passages.
Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, layering strings and brass over the core jazz instrumentation to create rich soundscapes.

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

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Too Close To The Pole 4:14
2 3 Minute Heels 13:00
3 The Countess' Bedroom - From The Opera "The Queen Of Spades" 8:22
4 Save The Cups 7:31
5 The Eleventh Hour 14:16
6 Too Close To The Pole (Reprise) 8:30
7 Untitled 16:02

What to play next

Listen next

The 23 Constellations of Joan Miró

2002

Go back to

Hue and Cry

1994

Full Bobby Previte discography Artists like Bobby Previte

jazz

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