What makes Velvet Darkness by Allan Holdsworth notable?

Velvet Darkness is significant for its innovative fusion of jazz and rock elements, influencing countless musicians in the progressive rock and jazz fusion genres. The album has been recognized for its technical guitar work and compositional complexity, garnering attention from critics and establishing Holdsworth's reputation as a virtuoso. Released in 1976, Velvet Darkness was Allan Holdsworth's debut album, marking his first major entry into the music scene after his tenure with the band Nucleus. At this point in his career, he was beginning to establish himself as a prominent guitarist and composer, showcasing his unique approach to blending genres.

Who is Velvet Darkness for?

Velvet Darkness works well if you're into wave-like pacing with dynamics, intricate guitar explorations throughout and ethereal melodies for reflection.

How many songs are on Velvet Darkness?

Velvet Darkness has 13 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Velvet Darkness

Allan Holdsworth · 1976

52 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A complex tapestry of jazz fusion and progressive rock that intertwines intricate guitar work with ethereal melodies.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Good Clean Filth — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its intricate guitar lines and dynamic interplay between instruments, showcasing Holdsworth's innovative style.
→
Velvet Darkness — The title track encapsulates the album's atmospheric quality, featuring a haunting melody that highlights Holdsworth’s signature guitar tones and compositional depth.
→
Gattox — With its complex rhythms and melodic shifts, this track exemplifies Holdsworth's ability to seamlessly blend technical prowess with emotive expression.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with dynamics
intricate guitar explorations throughout
ethereal melodies for reflection
alternate takes for deeper insight

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1976, Velvet Darkness was Allan Holdsworth's debut album, marking his first major entry into the music scene after his tenure with the band Nucleus. At this point in his career, he was beginning to establish himself as a prominent guitarist and composer, showcasing his unique approach to blending genres.
Stylistic neighbors: John McLaughlin· Pat Metheny· Frank Gambale

Tracklist

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

1 Good Clean Filth 5:20
2 Floppy Hat 2:46
3 Wish 4:20
4 Kinder 3:07
5 Velvet Darkness 4:42
6 Karzie Key 3:11
7 Last May 1:38
8 Gattox 4:51
9 Good Clean Filth (alternate take) 5:38
10 Kinder (alternate take) 3:07
11 Velvet Darkness (alternate take) 4:44
12 Karzie Key (alternate take) 2:15
13 Gattox (alternate take) 6:47

What to play next

Listen next

The Things You See

1980

Go back to

The Man Who Changed Guitar Forever! The Allan Holdsworth Album Collection

Full Allan Holdsworth discography Artists like Allan Holdsworth

jazz fusion progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata