What makes What It Is! by Kahil El'Zabar notable?

What It Is! received positive critical acclaim upon release, with reviewers noting its innovative blend of traditional jazz elements and modern improvisation techniques. The album is significant for its contribution to the free jazz scene, reinforcing El'Zabar's reputation as a visionary artist committed to pushing the boundaries of jazz. Released in 2013, What It Is! is part of Kahil El'Zabar's extensive discography and showcases his evolution as a leading figure in contemporary jazz. This album arrives after his successful collaborations in the 2000s, marking a continued exploration of African rhythms and spiritual themes within jazz.

How many songs are on What It Is!?

What It Is! has 7 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

What It Is!

Kahil El'Zabar · 2013

59 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of free jazz intertwining intricate rhythms, emotive melodies, and spiritual improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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What It Is! — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its engaging groove and spontaneous improvisation that invites listeners into El'Zabar's artistic vision.
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Song of Myself — This track exemplifies El'Zabar's ability to weave personal narrative through complex rhythms, creating a deeply reflective atmosphere that resonates throughout the album.
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Central Park West — A tribute to a significant New York location, this piece combines lyrical melodies with intricate interactions among the musicians, showcasing their chemistry and creativity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate improvisation and rhythmic complexity, making it a notable entry in contemporary jazz.

What we noticed

The album features a continuous flow of improvisation, with each track seamlessly transitioning into the next without breaks.
Melodic lines often intertwine between instruments, with no single instrument dominating, emphasizing collective musicianship.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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 The Nature Of 9:54
2 Impressions 9:47
3 What It Is! 4:04
4 Song of Myself 11:42
5 Central Park West 9:37
6 From the Heart 4:04
7 Kari 10:05

What to play next

Listen next

Follow the Sun

2013

Go back to

Live at the River East Art Center

2005

Full Kahil El'Zabar discography Artists like Kahil El'Zabar

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata