Tutankhamun cover

Tutankhamun

Art Ensemble of Chicago · 1969

33 min · 2 tracks · free jazz

A sprawling exploration of free jazz, blending avant-garde improvisation with rich textures and theatrical elements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Tutankhamun — The title track serves as an expansive centerpiece, weaving intricate musical dialogues that capture the essence of the ensemble's collective improvisation style.
  • →
    The Ninth Room — This track contrasts with 'Tutankhamun' by embracing a more subdued atmosphere while still showcasing complex rhythms and textures that define the ensemble's sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious improvisation and unique textures, making it a standout in free jazz.

What we noticed

  • Each track exceeds 15 minutes, allowing for extensive improvisation and thematic development.
  • The album features a wide range of instrumental textures, with various instruments taking turns in the spotlight.
  • There are moments of silence and dynamic shifts that create tension and release throughout the tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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 Tutankhamun 18:10
  • 2 The Ninth Room 15:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata