What makes Touchstone for Manu by Manu Katché notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of styles and was recognized for its intricate arrangements. It reflects Katché's influence on contemporary jazz and world music, resonating with both audiences and critics alike, contributing to ongoing dialogues about genre boundaries in modern music. Released in 2014, 'Touchstone for Manu' marked Manu Katché's return to the studio after a five-year hiatus following his album 'Playground'. At this point in his career, Katché had established himself not only as a prolific drummer but also as a composer, blending diverse genres and showcasing his versatility across various projects.

How many songs are on Touchstone for Manu?

Touchstone for Manu has 11 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

Touchstone for Manu

Manu Katché · 2014

58 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz, world music, and progressive rock that pulses with rhythmic intricacies and melodic explorations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Song for Her — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its reflective melodies and layered instrumentation, showcasing Katché's ability to evoke emotion through rhythm.
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So Groovy — With infectious grooves and an upbeat tempo, this track exemplifies Katché's skill in blending complex rhythms with accessible melodies, creating a joyful listening experience.
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Running After Years — This track stands out for its lyrical themes of nostalgia and reflection, paired with a dynamic arrangement that highlights Katché's prowess as both a drummer and composer.

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 and melodic explorations, showcasing Katché's unique style within jazz.

What we noticed

The final track, 'Bliss', gradually slows down and fades out, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.

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 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Song for Her 6:31
2 Number One 6:13
3 Take Off and Land 4:02
4 So Groovy 5:52
5 Morning Joy 5:29
6 Keep on Trippin’ 5:32
7 Senses 4:12
8 Swing Piece 4:50
9 Running After Years 6:16
10 Slowing the Tides 5:35
11 Bliss 4:20

What to play next

Listen next

Unstatic

2016

Go back to

Manu Katché

2012

Full Manu Katché discography Artists like Manu Katché

art rock jazz progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata