1970s

Ornette Coleman – Of Human Feelings

tyle: Free-Funk, Jazz Fission, Mutant Disco, No Wave, Abstract Groove

Vibe: Surreal, Kinetic, Angular, Knotted, Playful, Manic, Groovy, Energetic

Musical Qualities: Harmolodic, Polyphonic, Rhythmic, Dissonant, Dense, Instrumental, Collective Improvisation, Technical

Prime Time Band: Jamaaladeen Tacuma (Electric Bass); Denardo Coleman (Drums); Bern Nix (Guitar); Charlie Ellerbee (Guitar); Calvin Weston (Drums)

Matching Mole

Style: Canterbury Scene, Progressive Pop

Moods: Plaintive, Playful, Lonely, Longing, Melancholy, Dreamy, Eccentric, Tender, Sentimental

Instrumentation: Mellotron, Piano, Drums, Organ, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Electric Piano, Drums, Voice

The Revolutionary Ensemble – The People’s Republic

Personnel:
Leroy Jenkins
Sirone
Jerome Cooper

Style: Creative Music, Free Jazz, Avant-Garde Chamber Jazz

Moods: Intertwined, Sombre, Ritualistic, Exploratory, Urban, Contemplative, Impressionistic, Colorful, Political, Open, Free, Abstract

Norman Blake – The Fields of November

Style: Progressive Bluegrass, Folk

Moods: Autumnal, Rural, Rootsy, Twangy, Warm, Melancholy

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Cello, Fiddle, Dobro, Mandolin

Henry Cow – Unrest

On their second LP, Henry Cow weaves together elements of eerie chamber music, free improvisation, and deconstructed prog to create something that seems like the missing link between the Canterbury jazz-rock of Soft Machine and Gong and the dissonant avant-rock of This Heat.

J.J. Cale – 5

Style: Roots Rock, Blues Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Confident, Laid Back, Sensual, Romantic, Mellow Swagger, Road Trip, Warm, Sunny, Bluesy, Sexual, Rootsy

Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Melodic, Sleek

Bob Dylan & The Band – Planet Waves

Style: Americana, Roots-Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Romantic, Rural, Personal, Autumnal, Sunny, Warm, Light, Joyful, Love, Morning, Reflective, Sentimental, Uplifting

Jon Hassell – Vernal Equinox

featuring Nana Vasconcelos, David Rosenboom, Bill Winant, Miguel Frasconi, & Nicholas Kilbourn

Style: Fourth World, Ambient Jazz, Tribal Ambient

Moods: Mysterious, Tropical, Ethereal, Exploratory, Hypnotic, Impressionistic, Meditative, Soothing, Focused, Warm, Surreal, Woozy, Aquatic

Billy Hart – Enchance

featuring Buster Williams, Dewey Redman, Dave Holland, Oliver Lake, Eddie Henderson, Don Pullen & Thabo Michael Carvin

Style: Jazz-Fission, Spiritual Jazz, Post-Bop

Moods: Exploratory, Forest, Spiritual, Nocturnal, Triumphant, Communal, Energetic, Free, Knotty, Intertwined, Mysterious, Spontaneous

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Collective Improvisation, Ostinato, Acoustic, Complex, Dense, Progressive, Technical

Bobby Brown: Live

Style: Mystical Folk, Outsider Songwriter, New Age

Moods: Spiritual, Uplifting, Warm, Beach, Mystical, Nature, Summer

Musical Qualities: Homemade Instruments, Acoustic, Lo-Fi, Live Recording

Ry Cooder – Ry Cooder

Style: Americana, Roots Rock

Moods: Rural, Playful, Rootsy, Warm, Sunny, Energetic

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Drums, Electric Bass, Violin, Mandolin, Strings, Piano, Slide Guitar

Joni Mitchell & the L.A. Express – Miles of Aisles

Styles: Singer/Songwriter, Folk-Pop, Jazz-Rock

Moods: Reflective, Poetic, Bittersweet, Romantic, Warm, Playful, Sentimental, Energetic, Groovy, Passionate, Melancholy, Sunny

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Live, Melodic, Soft

Tom Rapp – Stardancer

Style: Folk-Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Acid Folk, Country-influenced

Moods: Autumnal, Moody, Sombre, Bittersweet, Conscious, Eclectic, Melancholy, Political, Mellow, Morning, Mournful, Retro, Psychedelic, Rebellious, Warm

Instrumentation: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Flute, Piano, Organ, Dumbek, Bongos, Drums, Congas, Cello, Vibraphone, Harmonica, Banjo, Mandolin, Wind Chimes, Vocal Harmonies, Bells

Black Renaissance – Body, Mind & Spirit

Style: Jazz-Funk, Spiritual Jazz, Abstract Groove

Moods: Communal, Ceremonial, Celebratory, Triumphant, Afrocentric, Ritualistic, Groovy, Spiritual, Passionate

Musical Qualities: Ostinato, Thematic Improvisation, Suite, Rhythmic, Spoken Word

Gilli Smyth – Mother

Style: Cosmic Folk, Psychedelic Rock, Jazz Poetry

Moods: Cosmic, Feminist, Conscious, Poetic, Eccentric, Witchy, Flowing, Eclectic, Mystical, Psychedelic, Storytelling, Messy

Musical Qualities: Spoken Word, Collage, Improvisation

John Renbourn – Faro Annie

Style: Folk Rock, Folk Baroque, British Blues

Moods: Rootsy, Warm, Rural, Morning, Mellow

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Sitar, Upright Bass, Vocal Harmonies, Fiddle, Harmonica, Drums

Bola Sete – Ocean

Style: Guitar Soli, Brazilian Classical Music, Folk

Musical Qualities: Aquatic, Soothing, Meditative, Intricate, Mellow, Searching, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Instrumental, Soft, Technical, Solo

Instrumentation: Nylon String Guitar

Mandingo Griot Society

Styles: Griot Music, Mande Music, Afro-Jazz

Moods: Uplifting, Earthy, Sunny, Communal, Dance, Joyful, Passionate, Peaceful, Playful, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Warm, Tribal, Utopian

Musical Qualities: Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Acoustic, Melodic, Technical

The Cecil Taylor Unit

featuring Jimmy Lyons, Sirone, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Ramsey Ameen & RaphƩ Malik

Style: Free Jazz, Modern Creative

Moods: Ecstatic, Abstract, Cathartic, Kinetic, Energetic, Joyful, Intense, Powerful, Bombastic, Chaotic, Free

Musical Qualities: Dense, Complex, Collective Improvisation, Atonal, Dynamic, Acoustic, Thematic, Instrumental

Jimmy Campbell – Half Baked

Style: Baroque Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock

Moods: Lonely, Bittersweet, Introspective, Retro, Eclectic, Colorful, Loner

Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Lyrical, Orchestral

Siloah – Siloah

Style: Acid Folk, Kosmische Folk

Moods: Stoned, Communal, Earthy, Raw, Meandering, Hippie, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lo-Fi, Loose, Jams

Albert Ayler – Revelations

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz

Moods: Ecstatic, Uplifting, Anthemic, Passionate, Energetic, Bittersweet, Cathartic, Chaotic, Cosmic, Flowing, Free, Heartfelt, Joyful, Kinetic, Love, Spiritual, Tender

Musical Qualities: Thematic, Collective Improvisation, Acoustic, Extended Technique, Live Performance

Joan Armatrading – Show Some Emotion

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Jazz-Folk, Soul, Folk-Pop

Moods: Heartfelt, Sunny, Romantic, Uplifting, Warm, Spring, Groovy, Sensual, Passionate

Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Polished

Neil Young with Crazy Horse – Zuma

Style: Folk-Rock, Singer-Songwriter

Moods: Sentimental, Break-Up, Bittersweet, Rebellious, Introspective, Messy, Passionate, Ragged, Melancholy

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Loose, Raw, Simple

Miles Davis – On the Corner

featuring Billy Hart, Bennie Maupin, Badal Roy, Mtume, Michael Henderson, Jack DeJohnette, Herbie Hancock, Paul Buckmaster, John McLaughlin, Dave Liebman, Don Alias, Carlos Garnett, Colin Walcott, Khalil Balakrishna, Lonnie Liston Smith, Chick Corea, Harold Williams, David Creamer

Style: Abstract Groove, Jazz Fission, Avant-Funk

Moods: Surreal, Urban, Hypnotic, Communal, Groovy, Colorful, Playful, Circular, Futuristic

Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Repetitive, Dense, Improvisation, Instrumental, Studio-as-an-instrument

Anthony Braxton – The Complete Braxton 1971

Style: Modern Creative, Avant-Garde Jazz, Chamber Jazz

Moods: Cryptic, Cerebral, Mystical, Suspenseful, Ritualistic, Deconstructed, Responsive, Abstract, Open

Musical Qualities: Poly-Free Improvisation, Acoustic, Dynamic, Thematic, Chamber, Complex

Instrumentation: Saxophones (Sopranino, Alto), Bass Clarinet, Piano, Flute, Trumpet, Upright Bass, Tuba, Drums, Percussion, Fluegelhorn

Art Ensemble of Chicago – Nice Guys

Styles: Modern Creative, Avant-Garde Jazz

Moods: Communal, Colorful, Eclectic, Ritualistic, Uplifting, Playful, Suspenseful, Mysterious, Abstract, Noir, Open

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Percussive, Acoustic, Dynamic, Sparse

Brother Malachi Favors Magoustous – Natural & Spiritual

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Modern Creative

Moods: Ritualistic, Spiritual, Devotional, Passionate, Mysterious

Musical Qualities: Solo Improvisation, Percussive, Acoustic, Sparse, Live, Lo-Fi

Instrumentation: Upright Bass, Percussion, Spoken Word

Horace Tapscott with the Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra – Live at I.U.C.C.

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Avant-Garde Big Band

Moods: Triumphant, Communal, Spiritual, Uplifting, Epic, Warm

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Progressive, Uncommon Time Signatures, Live, Dense, Acoustic, Complex, Rhythmic, Thematic, Collective Improvisation, Orchestral

Instrumentation: Piano, Horns, Drums, Percussion, Upright Bass, Drums, Woodwinds, Cello

Eddie Henderson – Inside Out

Style: Jazz Fission, Abstract Groove, Cosmic Jazz, Free-Fusion

Moods: Cosmic, Propulsive, Exploratory, Adventurous, Spiritual, abstract groove, communal, cosmic, driving, epic, exploratory, improvisation, instrumental, mysterious, rhythmic, thematic, psychedelic,

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Rhythmic, Ostinato, Dub Fx, Thematic

Jethro Tull – Thick as a Brick

Style: Progressive Folk

Vibe: Epic, Conceptual, Satirical, Cerebral, Bombastic, Anthemic, Playful, Eccentric, Medieval, Poetic, Theatric

Musical Qualities: Suite, Uncommon time signatures, Progressive, Riffs, Thematic, Technical

Leroy Jenkins – Space Minds, New Worlds, Survival of America

Leroy Jenkins – Violin; Andrew Cyrille – Percussion; Anthony Davis – Piano, Electric Piano (a); George Lewis – Trombone, Electronics (a); Richard Teitelbaum – Moog Synthesizer (a)

Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Modern Creative

Moods: Exploratory, Responsive, Abstract, Kinetic, Spacey, Suspenseful

J.J. Cale – Okie

Style: Americana, Country Rock, Roots Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Road Trip, Carefree, Confident, Sunny, Romantic, Summer, Reflective, Warm, Breezy, Rural, Mellow

Musical Qualities: Groovy, Lush, Bluesy, Smooth, Rhythmic

The Art Ensemble of Chicago – Bap-Tizum

Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Modern Creative, Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz

Moods: Ritualistic, Passionate, Cathartic, Open, Colorful, Visceral, Warm, Communal, Free, Abstract, Chaotic, Exploratory, Responsive, Tribal, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Percussive, Suite, Live, Dynamic, Polyphonic, Group Vocals

Instrumentation: Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Kelphorn, Bass Drum, Percussion, Saxophones (Alto, Soprano, Sopranino, Tenor, & Bass), Clarinet, Drums, Alto Flute, Conga, Vibraphone, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Log Drum, Gong, Whistle, Bass Marimba

Richard & Linda Thompson – Pour Down Like Silver

Style: British Folk-Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Autumnal, Bittersweet, Energetic, Sentimental, Heartfelt, Storytelling, Romantic, Warm

Musical Qualities: Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Melodic

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Accordion, Fiddle, Flute, Shakuhachi, Trumpet

Norman Blake – Old and New

Style: Progressive Bluegrass, Folk, Americana

Moods: Rural, Rootsy, Sunny, Bittersweet, Energetic, Joyful, Storytelling, Summer, Warm

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle, Cello, Banjo, Dobro

Michael Hurley & Pals – Armchair Boogie

Style: Outsider Folk, Country Blues, Singer/Songwriter, Americana

Moods: Back Porch, Relaxed, Tender, Melancholy, Uplifting, Contemplative, Heartfelt, Eccentric, Introspective, Playful, Raw, Rootsy, Rural

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Home Recording, Sparse, Lo-Fi, Bluesy, Catchy

Eberhard Weber – Yellow Fields

Style: ECM Jazz, Atmospheric Jazz Fusion

Vibe: Ethereal, Adventurous, Autumnal, Pastoral, Misty, Impressionistic, Complex, Intricate

Musical Qualities: Thematic Improvisation, Reverbed Production, Chorus FX, Melodic, Uncommon Time Signatures

Instrumentation: Upright Bass (w/ heavy chorus), Soprano Saxophone, Keyboards, Drums

Joakim Skogsberg – Jola rota

Style: Ritual Psych, Nordic Folk, Free Folk

Feelings: Pantheistic, Ceremonial, Forest, Hypnotic, Exploratory, Earthy, Mystical, Mysterious, Rootsy, Surreal, Tribal, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Chants, Percussive, Dub Fx, Repetitive

Mickey Newbury – Heaven Help the Child

Style: SInger-Songwriter, Progressive Country, Chamber Folk

Moods: Reflective, Longing, Heartbreak, Autumnal, Contemplative, Melancholy, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Heartfelt, Lonely, Rainy

Musical Qualities: Lush, Suite, Lyrical, Orchestral, Melodic

Dewey Redman – Coincide

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz

Moods: Ecstatic, Intense, Energetic, Kinetic, Passionate, Mysterious, Triumphant, Chaotic, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Dissonant, Complex, Acoustic, Collective Improvisation, Instrumental

Personnel:

Dewey Redman – Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Zither; Sirone – Upright Bass; Eddie Moore – Drums, Tympani, Idiophone (Bowed & Struck); Leroy Jenkins – Violin; Ted Daniel – Trumpet

Robert Wyatt – Ruth is Stranger Than Richard

Style: Canterbury Scene, Jazz-Rock, Progressive Pop

Moods: Surreal, Playful, Warm, Cryptic, Bittersweet, Eccentric, Imaginative, Meandering, Bright

Musical Qualities: Suite, Melodic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive, Experimental Vocals

Instrumentation: Piano, Trumpet, Vocals, Electric Bass, Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Drums

Heldon – Stand By

Style: Space Rock, Progressive Electronic, Avant-Prog

Moods: Mechanical, Ominous, Futuristic, Martial, Dystopian, Heavy, Cinematic, Cold, Driving, Spacey

Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Dynamic, Progressive, Pulse, Suite, Rhythmic, Instrumental, Odd Time Signatures, Riffs

Emmylou Harris – Pieces of the Sky

Style: Country, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Autumnal, Heartbreak, Longing, Sentimental, Tender, Rustic, Bittersweet, Introspective, Warm

Musical Qualities: Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Soft, Melodic

Kevin Ayers – Whatevershesbringswesing

Style: Canterbury Scene, Progressive Pop, Art Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Playful, Uplifting, Eclectic, Joyful, Eccentric, Stoned, Warm, Eccentric, Romantic

Musical Qualities: Catchy, Lush, Melodic, Lyrical, Orchestral

Bert Jansch – A Rare Conundrum

Style: British Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk, Celtic Folk

Moods: Morning, Tender, Bright, Reflective, Mellow, Romantic, Breezy, Spring

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Violin, Drums, Electric Bass, Mandolin, Drums, Percussion, Banjo, Harmonica

Amon Düül – ParadieswƤrts Düül

Style: Free Folk, Acid Folk, Kosmische Folk

Moods: Communal, Earthy, Hypnotic, Ritualistic, Intertwined, Brooding, Conscious, Mellow, Psychedelic, Raw, Stoned, Utopian, Warm

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Jams, Repetitive, Loose, Percussive, Progressive, Improvisation

John Prine – John Prine

Style: Singer-Songwriter, Country, Americana

Moods: Playful, Sunny, Humorous, Political, Rustic, Storytelling, Rebellious, Conscious, Loner, Twangy

John Prine – Sweet Revenge

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Country-Rock

Moods: Bittersweet, Humorous, Storytelling, Twangy, Sunny, Road Trip, Playful, Poetic, Warm, Sentimental, Twangy

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lyrical, Background Gospel Singers, Vocal Harmonies, Melodic

Daevid Allen – Banana Moon

Style: Canterbury Scene, Progressive Pop, Art Rock, Soul-Influenced

Moods: Playful, Eclectic, Eccentric, Whimsical, Mystical, Surreal, Cosmic, Theatric, Psychedelic, Energetic, Joyful, Hippie

Musical Qualities: Progressive, Catchy, Background Singers, Riffs

J.J. Cale – Troubadour

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Roots Rock, Americana

Moods: Confident, Sunny, Smooth, Warm, Carefree, Romantic, Sexual, Relaxed, Bluesy, Rootsy

Musical Qualities: Melodic, Groovy, Polished, Tight

John Abercrombie – Timeless

Personnel: John Abercrombie – Electric & Acoustic Guitars; Jack DeJohnette – Drums; Jan Hammer – Organ, Synthesizer, Piano

Style: Jazz Fusion

Vibe: Epic, Triumphant, Spacey, Bombastic, Pastoral (A2, B2, B3), Energetic

Musical Qualities: Shred, Rhythmic, Instrumental, Groovy, Progressive, Technical, Improvisation, Complex, Dynamic

Harold Land – A New Shade of Blue

Personnel & Instrumentation:
Harold Land, Tenor Saxophone; Bobby Hutcherson, Vibes; Buster Williams, Upright Bass; Bill Henderson, Piano & Electric Piano; Billy Hart, Drums; Mtume, Conga

Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get It On

Style: Smooth Soul

Moods: Sexual, Passionate, Nocturnal, Sensual, Mellow, Smooth, Romantic, Warm, Sentimental

Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Vocal Harmonies, Polished Production

Robin Kenyatta – Girl From Martinique

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Avant Garde Jazz Fusion

Moods: Mysterious, Earthy, Searching, Groovy, Exploratory

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Rhythmic, Acoustic, Thematic

Instrumentation: Flute, Alto Saxophone, Clavinet, Piano, Upright Bass, Drums

Richard & Linda Thompson – First Light

Style: Folk-Pop, British Folk, Singer-Songwriter

Moods: Romantic, Sunny, Uplifting, Passionate, Joyful, Flowing, Warm

Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Lush, Groovy, Polished, Melodic, Chamber Arrangements

Gram Parsons – GP

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Country, Cosmic American Music

Moods: Reflective, Heartbreak, Longing, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Twangy, Warm

Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Melodic, Lush, Soft

Black Uhuru – Black Sounds of Freedom

Style: Roots Reggae, Dub

Moods: Spiritual, Conscious, Mystical, Groovy, Warm, Uplifting, Mellow, Tropical, Nature, Political

Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Melodic, Rhythmic

Shirley Horn Trio – A Lazy Afternoon

Style: Vocal Jazz

Moods: Uplifting, Sentimental, Elegant, Sunny, Passionate, Heartfelt, Playful, Romantic, Retro

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Technical, Melodic, Lush, Ballads

Instrumentation: Piano, Vocals, Upright Bass, Drums

J.J. Cale – Really

LP, Shelter Records, 1972 Style: Singer/Songwriter, Roots Rock, Americana Moods: Heartbreak, Sunny, Swagger, Road Trip, Rustic, Rootsy, Mellow, Reflective, Warm, Angsty Musical Qualities: Bluesy, Groovy, Polished

John Surman – Upon Reflection

Style: Post-Minimalism, Ambient Jazz, Folk-Jazz, ECM Style

Moods: Meditative, Pastoral, Futuristic, Mysterious, Impressionistic, Hypnotic, Soothing, Searching

Musical Qualities: Electro-Acoustic, Minimalist, Instrumental, Pulse, Solo

Instrumentation: soprano saxophone,Ā baritone saxophone,Ā bass clarinet,Ā synthesizer

Klaus Schulze – Timewind

Style: Kosmische Musik, Berlin School, Space Ambient, Progressive Electronic

Moods: Spacey, Desolate, Meditative, Exploratory, Suspenseful, Cosmic, Hypnotic, Cinematic

Musical Qualities: Slow, Thematic, Atmospheric, Progressive, Instrumental

Kevin Ayers – Bananamour

Vibe: Uplifting, Spring, Whimsical, Groovy, Peaceful, Spacey, Sunny, Joyful

Musical Qualities: Lush, Catchy, Polished, Background Singers, Lyrical

Style: Psychedelic Soul, Canterbury Scene, Prog-Pop

Daevid Allen – Now is the Happiest Time of Your Life

Style: Cosmic Folk, Psych Rock, Space Ambient

Vibe: Cosmic, Whimsical, Surreal, Bright, Sunny, Mystical, Mythic, Poetic, Uplifting

Qualities: Atmospheric, Conceptual, Eclectic

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizers, Spoken Word, Tabla, Flute, Violin, Harp, Drums, Slide Guitar

George Duke – The Inner Source

Style: Jazz Fusion, Cosmic Jazz-Funk

Vibe: Spacey, Sunny, Warm, Spiritual, Uplifting

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Groovy, Instrumental, Melodic

Alan Braufman – Live in New York City, February 8, 1975

Style: Spiritual Jazz

Vibe: Communal, Ritualistic, Triumphant, Adventure, Searching, Devotional, Spiritual, Hypnotic, Epic

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Acoustic Instrumentation, Progressive Structures, Thematic, Polyrhythmic, Percussive, Dense, Complex, Suite, Live Recording, Chant

Julius Hemphill – ‘Coon Bid’ness

Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Modern Creative

Vibe: Suspenseful, Mysterious, Hypnotic, Intertwined, Open, Abstract, Bluesy (Side B)

Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Polyphonic, Thematic, Collective Improvisation, Percussive, Rhythmic, Acoustic, Instrumental

James Blood – Tales of Captain Black

Style: Free Funk, Avant-Garde Jazz, Abstract Groove, No Wave

Vibe: Frenetic, Knotty, Disjointed, Funky, Angular, Chaotic, Triumphant, Playful, Energetic, Free, Manic, Bombastic

Musical Qualities: Harmolodic, Polyphonic, Polyrhythmic, Collective Improvisation, Dissonant, Uncommon Time Signatures, Instrumental

Brute Force

Style: Soul (A-Side), Jazz-Funk, Spiritual Jazz (B-Side)

Vibe: Sunny, Uplifting, Communal, Joyful, Anthemic, Passionate

Musical Qualities: Groovy, Lush, Percussive, Rhythmic

Instrumentation: Horns, Vocals, Electric Keyboard, Electric Guitar (played by Sonny Sharrock!), Congas, Drums, Electric Bass

Mickey Newbury – Better Days

Style: Country, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Bittersweet, Reflective, Breakup, Intimate, Introspective, Melancholy, Poetic, Sombre, Longing

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Sparse, Acoustic, Slow

Carnascialia – Carnascialia

Style: Progressive Chamber-Folk

Vibe: Rustic, Intertwined, Warm, Passionate, Hypnotic, Celebratory, Exploratory, Morning, Eclectic

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies, Polyrhythmic, Percussive, Technical

Instrumentation: Accordion, Saxophone, Panpipe, Acoustic Guitar, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Drums, Mandolin, Violin, Piano

Marion Brown – Afternoon of a Georgia Faun

featuring Chick Corea, Anthony Braxton, Bennie Maupin, Andrew Cyrille, etc…

Style: Modern Creative, Avant-Garde Jazz

Vibe: Mysterious, Suspenseful, Nature, Abstract, Surreal, Kinetic, Visceral, Earthy, Swirling, Pastoral (Side A)

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dynamic, Sparse, Acoustic, Atonal, Experimental Vocals, Extended Techniques, Dissonant, Percussive, Homemade Instrument

Anthony Braxton – New York, Fall 1974

Featuring Jerome Cooper, Julius Hemphill, Dave Holland, Leroy Jenkins, Kenny Wheeler…

Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Modern Creative, Post-Bop
Vibe: Knotty, Angular, Complex, Cerebral, Exploratory, Serious, Bustling (Side A), Mysterious (Side B)
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Extended Technique, Improvisation, Thematic, Instrumental

Mickey Newbury – I Came to Hear the Music

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Country

Vibe: Introspective, Reflective, Heartfelt, Bittersweet, Longing, Lush, Warm, Soothing, Rustic, Tender, Sentimental, Spiritual, Contemplative, Intimate

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lyrical, Melodic, Orchestral, Polished, Background Vocals

Ornette Coleman – Dancing in Your Head

Style: Free Funk, Avant-Garde Jazz

Vibe: Joyful, Chaotic, Anthemic, Intertwined, Energetic, Triumphant

Musical Qualities: Thematic, Dissonant, Collective Improvisation, Rhythmic, Polyphonic, Repetitive

Kuumba-Toudie Heath – Kawaida

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Modal Jazz, Post-Bop

Vibe: Self-Determination, Communal, Triumphant, Spiritual, Devotional, Uplifting, Conscious, Warm

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Lush, Rhythmic, Acoustic, Thematic, Modal, Spoken Word, Percussive

Guru Guru – This is Guru Guru

Style: Heavy Psych, Prog, Krautrock, Free Rock

Vibe: Adventurous, Hallucinogenic, Spacey, Exploratory, Playful, Messy, Primal

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Fuzz, Riffs, Bluesy, Progressive, Studio-as-an-Instrument

Julius Hemphill – Dogon A.D.

Style: Free Jazz

Vibe: Hypnotic, Ritualistic, Driving, Intertwined, Fire, Mystical, Powerful, Complex

Musical Qualities: Ostinato, Collective Improvisation, Thematic, Uncommon Time Signatures, Acoustic, Repetitive, Polyphonic, Rhythmic

Instrumentation: Alto Saxophone, Cello, Trumpet, Drums, Flute

Pentangle – Solomon’s Seal

Style: Brit-Folk, Chamber Folk, Jazz-Folk

Vibe: Flowing, Morning, Breezy, Warm, Medieval, Sentimental, Rootsy, Mellow, Pastoral, Uplifting

Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Traditional, Melodic, Improvisation

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitars (Fingerstyle), Vocals, Upright Bass, Sitar, Dulcimer, Banjo, Recorder, Harmonica, Electric Guitar, Drums

Catherine Ribeiro + Alpes – Ame debout

Style: Progressive Folk, Avant-Folk

Vibe: Brooding, Visceral, Witchy, Sombre, Forest, Intense, Driving, Passionate, Rebellious

Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Progressive, Experimental Vocals

Instrumentation: Organ, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Vocals

Sun Ra – Lanquidity [Definitive Edition]


Style: Cosmic Jazz Fusion, Avant-Garde Big Band

Vibe: Mysterious, Elegant, Hypnotic, Nocturnal, Cosmic, Futuristic, Spacey, Ethereal, Groovy, Mellow, Flowing

Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Atmospheric, Collective Improvisation, Thematic, Polyphonic, Odd Time Signatures, Melodic, Progressive

Instrumentation: Fender Rhodes, Synthesizers (Arp, Minimoog, Crumar Electronic Keyboard), Organ, Piano, Bells, electric Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Group Vocals, Trumpet, Saxophone, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Congo, Baritone Sax, Bass Clarinet, Upright Bass

Robbie Basho – Visions of the Country

Style: American Primitivism, Singer/Songwriter, Folk, Raga?Vibe: Mystical, Nature, Open, Passionate, Pastoral, Peaceful, Airy, Contemplative, Earthy, Impressionistic, Meditative, Morning, Spring, Spiritual,
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Indian-Influenced, Sparse, Technical

Hardin & Russell – Ring of Bone

Style: Country, Folk

Vibes: Melancholy, Desert, Western, Sombre, Lonely, Sad, Breezy, Peaceful, Dreamy

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies, Lush

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Dobro, Piano, Fiddle, Trombone, Saxophone, Sousaphone, Trumpet, Flute, Congas, Electric Bass

COS – Cosmix

Style: Prog, Jazz Rock, Canterbury Scene, Cosmic Disco

Vibe: Triumphant, Complex, Anthemic, Groovy, Spacey, Exploratory, Energetic, Warm, Eccentric, Surreal, Playful, Adventure, Epic

Musical Qualities: Progressive, Thematic, Lush, Group Vocals, Technical, Rhythmic, Odd Time Signatures, Improvisation, Polyphonic

Instrumentation: Flute, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Horns, Synthesizer

Jack DeJohnette’s Directions – Untitled

Style: Progressive Jazz, Post-Bop, Jazz Fusion

Vibe: Triumphant, Pastoral, Airy, Searching, Eclectic, Mysterious, Soothing

Musical Qualities: Thematic, Improvisation, Progressive, Odd Time Signatures, Atmospheric

Leonard Cohen – New Skin for the Old Ceremony

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk

Vibe: Poetic, Bittersweet, Conversational, Sexual, Dry Humor, Brooding, Melancholy, Longing, Tender, Introspective, Breakup

Musical Qualities: Lush, Lyrical, Groovy, Dynamic

Instrumentation: Electric Bass, Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Backup Vocalists, Trombone, Jaw Harp, Woodwinds, Strings, Banjo, Mandolin, Trumpet, Drums, Percussion, Keyboards

King Crimson – Lark’s Tongue in Aspic [Steven Wilson Mix]

Style: Prog, Chamber Rock

Vibe: Mercurial, Menacing, Bombastic, Cryptic, Muscular, Cerebral, Epic, Medieval, Aggressive, Bipolar, Heavy, Headphone Album

Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Complex, Progressive Structures, Uncommon Time Signatures, Percussive, Riffs,

Instrumentation: Electric Guitar, Violin, Mellotron, Electric Bass, Electric Keyboards, Percussion, Drums, Vocals

Hermeto Pascoal – Slaves Mass

Style: Jazz Fusion, Avant-Garde Jazz, Baião

Vibe: Warm, Passionate, Spiritual, Eclectic, Groovy, Energetic, Tropical, Psychedelic

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Complex

Steve Hillage – Aura

Style: Progressive Pop, Space Rock, Synth-Funk, Canterbury Scene

Vibe: Playful, Spacey, Colorful, Anthemic, Groovy

Musical Qualities: Catchy, Progressive, Polished, Riffs, Rhythmic, Technical, Shred

Curtis Mayfield – Sweet Exorcist

Style: Chicago Soul, Funk, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Warm, Triumphant, Romantic

Musical Qualities: Lush, Rhythmic, Melodic

Ornette Coleman – Body Meta

Style: Free-Funk, Avant-Garde Jazz, Jazz Fusion

Vibe: Angular, Anthemic, Manic, Kinetic, Driving, Intertwined, Chaotic, Funky, Triumphant

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Collective Improvisation, Rhythmic, Instrumental, Dissonant

Personnel:
Ornette Coleman – alto saxophone, producer; Bern Nix – Electric Guitar; Charlie Ellerbee – Electric Guitar; Jamaaladeen Tacuma – Electric Bass; Ronald Shannon Jackson – Drums

C.O.B. – Spirit of Love

Style: Chamber Folk, Spiritual Folk, English Folk

Vibe: Mystical, Medieval, Warm, Spring, Intimate, Mellow, Morning, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Progressive

Instrumentation: Organ, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Dulcitar, Recorder, Electric Bass, Washboard, Drum, Bongos, Tambourine, Cello, Indian Hand Organ

Jack DeJohnette – Have You Heard?

Recorded in Tokyo with regular collaborators Gary Peacock and Benny Maupin, plus amazing local pianist Hideo Ichikawa, “Have You Heard?” is an interesting & exploratory record from master drummer Jack DeJohnette. Two shorter cuts of nocturnal modal-jazz bookend a pair of longer, abstract pieces that recall the “modern creative” improvisations coming out of Chicago.

Recommended for fans of Miles Davis’ Nefertiti as well as the works of Art Ensemble of Chicago