Urban Bushmen
Art Ensemble of Chicago · 1982
92 min · 10 tracks · free jazz
A vibrant tapestry of free jazz intermingles with African rhythms, creating an immersive auditory experience that transcends cultural boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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Urban Magic: a) March; b) Warm Night Blues Stroll; c) Down the Walkway; RM Express — This sprawling composition encapsulates the album's essence with its dynamic shifts between structured passages and improvisational freedom, showcasing the ensemble's virtuosity.
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Sun Precondition Two - Theme for SCO: a) Soweto Messenger; b) Bushman Triumphant; c) Entering the City; d) Announcement of Victory — This lengthy piece combines narrative elements with rhythmic complexity, illustrating both a homage to African heritage and a commentary on urban life.
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New York Is Full of Lonely People — Through its haunting melody and poignant improvisation, this track reflects on themes of isolation within urban spaces, resonating deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate blend of free jazz and African rhythms showcases its innovative composition and cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The album features a continuous flow of improvisation, with tracks seamlessly transitioning into one another without clear breaks.
- Several pieces incorporate traditional African instruments and rhythms, blending them with avant-garde jazz elements.
- The use of varied dynamics and textures creates an evolving soundscape that challenges conventional jazz forms.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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9/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- dynamic exploration of urban themes
- wave-like pacing with resolution
- immersive listening in two halves
- cultural roots and vibrant rhythms
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Urban Bushmen' was released in 1982, the Art Ensemble of Chicago was already a seminal force in free jazz, following their acclaimed works like 'Bap-Tizum' in 1973. This album marked a continued evolution in their sound, showcasing their commitment to blending avant-garde elements with traditional African musical influences, reflecting their journey since their formation in the 1960s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ornette Coleman· Henry Threadgill· Anthony Braxton
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Promenade: Cote Bamako I 4:11
- 2 Bush Magic 5:05
- 3 Urban Magic: a) March; b) Warm Night Blues Stroll; c) Down the Walkway; RM Express 15:45
- 4 Sun Precondition Two - Theme for SCO: a) Soweto Messenger; b) Bushman Triumphant; c) Entering the City; d) Announcement of Victory 21:53
Disc 2
- 1 New York Is Full of Lonely People 7:37
- 2 Ancestral Meditation 6:56
- 3 Uncle 17:29
- 4 Peter and Judith 2:39
- 5 Promenade: Cote Bamako II 5:57
- 6 Odwalla / Theme 5:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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