Released 10 years ago
Upward Spiral
Branford Marsalis Quartet · 2016
61 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of contemporary jazz elements and traditional melodies that showcases intricate improvisation and deep emotional undercurrents.
Top tracks — play these first
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I'm a Fool to Want You — This track features a poignant exploration of longing through its delicate interplay between the saxophone and piano, highlighting the emotional depth of the album.
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Practical Arrangement — The extended length allows for expansive improvisation, showcasing each member's virtuosity while maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout the piece.
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Cassandra Song — With its haunting melody and intricate harmonies, this track exemplifies the quartet's ability to evoke deep emotions while pushing musical boundaries.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances but lacks standout tracks that define its uniqueness.
What we noticed
- Each track varies in tempo and mood, with several pieces transitioning smoothly into one another to maintain a cohesive flow.
- The instrumentation prominently features saxophone, piano, bass, and drums, with each musician taking turns in the spotlight during solos.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- melodic improvisation with emotional depth
- for reflective evenings
- patient exploration of rich textures
- immersive journey through diverse moods
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party playlists
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2016, Upward Spiral is the Branford Marsalis Quartet's first album in six years, following the critically acclaimed Four MFs Playin' Tunes. At this point in his career, Marsalis was solidifying his role as a leading figure in modern jazz, continuing to explore complex arrangements and rich improvisational styles that reflect his extensive experience and artistic growth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Bad Plus· Joshua Redman· Chick Corea Elektric Band
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon for New York 5:25
- 2 Blue Gardenia 4:39
- 3 From One Island to Another 6:04
- 4 Practical Arrangement 9:49
- 5 Doxy 3:56
- 6 I'm a Fool to Want You 3:04
- 7 West Virginia Rose 2:32
- 8 Só Tinha de Ser Com Você 3:41
- 9 Momma Said 2:46
- 10 Cassandra Song 8:30
- 11 Blue Velvet 3:47
- 12 The Return (Upward Spiral) 7:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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