What makes Withholding Pattern by John Surman notable?

This album is notable for its innovative blend of jazz and electronic elements, which influenced many future jazz musicians exploring similar territories. Additionally, it received critical acclaim from various music publications, establishing Surman as a key player in the genre's experimental movements during the mid-1980s. Released in 1985, Withholding Pattern is John Surman's fourth studio album, showcasing his evolution as a prominent figure in the British jazz scene. At this point, he had already established himself through collaborations and earlier works, marking this album as a significant exploration of avant-garde soundscapes.

Who is Withholding Pattern for?

Withholding Pattern works well if you're into playful improvisation for curious minds, dynamic shifts in pacing and short tracks for quick exploration.

How many songs are on Withholding Pattern?

Withholding Pattern has 8 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Withholding Pattern

John Surman · 1985

42 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A fusion of jazz improvisation and experimental textures, creating a fluid sonic landscape that defies conventional boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Doxology — As the opening track, Doxology sets the tone with its intricate arrangements and showcases Surman's mastery of woodwinds alongside a rich harmonic backdrop.
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Changes of Season — This extended piece features an evolving structure that highlights Surman's ability to weave thematic material through complex improvisations and atmospheric shifts.
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Holding Pattern I — Serving as a pivotal moment on the album, this track captures the essence of Surman's experimental approach, blending rhythmic motifs with free-form explorations.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz improvisation with electronic textures, showcasing strong composition and craft.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections where the saxophone and synthesizer intertwine, creating a layered texture.
Tracks like 'Holding Pattern I' and 'Holding Pattern II' bookend the album with similar motifs, establishing a thematic continuity.

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

Influence 4/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

playful improvisation for curious minds
dynamic shifts in pacing
short tracks for quick exploration
intricate arrangements that invite focus

Maybe skip if you

seeking straightforward, predictable sounds
prefer long, uninterrupted pieces

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1985, Withholding Pattern is John Surman's fourth studio album, showcasing his evolution as a prominent figure in the British jazz scene. At this point, he had already established himself through collaborations and earlier works, marking this album as a significant exploration of avant-garde soundscapes.
Stylistic neighbors: Keith Jarrett· Jan Garbarek· Tord Gustavsen