What/If/They Both Could Fly cover

What/If/They Both Could Fly

Evan Parker · 2013

39 min · 3 tracks · jazz

A sprawling exploration of sound where improvisation breathes life into complex, layered textures and unexpected sonic pathways.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    What — The longest track on the album, this piece encapsulates Parker's ability to create an expansive musical dialogue that evolves organically over its nearly nineteen-minute runtime.
  • →
    If — Offering a more restrained yet intensely focused improvisational exchange, this track highlights the interplay between the musicians and their spontaneous creativity.
  • →
    They Both Could Fly — This shorter piece provides a contrast to the longer tracks while still maintaining complexity, illustrating Parker's dexterity in concise musical expression.

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 intricate improvisation and unique sound exploration, marking it as a significant work in modern jazz.

What we noticed

  • Each track is a lengthy improvisation, with 'What' lasting over 20 minutes, allowing for extensive exploration of themes.
  • The saxophone often interacts with silence, creating tension and unexpected dynamics throughout the pieces.
  • Layered textures emerge as Parker employs circular breathing techniques, resulting in continuous sound without breaks.
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 3/10

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 What 18:52
  • 2 If 13:54
  • 3 They Both Could Fly 6:25

What to play next

Either Or And
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Full Evan Parker discography Artists like Evan Parker
free improvisation free jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata