Improvisation

Sunburned Hand of the Man

Style: Free-Rock, Ritual-Psych, Group Therapy, Abstract Groove

Moods: Spontaneous, Communal, Groovy, Ritualistic, Exploratory, Primordial, Abstract, Meandering, Mysterious, Cathartic, Primal, Kinetic, Spacey, Eccentric, Stream-of-Conscious

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Propulsive, Rhythmic, Percussive, Spoken Word, Dense, Droney, Lo-Fi, Repetitive

Mako Sica – Ronda

Style: Psychedelic Jazz, Free-Psych, Post-Rock

Moods: Ritualistic, Mysterious, Serpentine, Nocturnal, Exploratory, Desert, Moody, Spiritual, Psychedelic

Musical Qualities: Percussive, Thematic, Collective Improvisation, Atmospheric, Rhythmic

Instrumentation: Drums, Tabla, Electric Piano, Chants, Trumpet, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Electric Bass, Harmonica, Gong, Cello, Upright Bass, Flute, Organ, Piano, Bells, Teponaztli, Tambourine, Viola

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

Ahleuchatistas – Arrebato

Style: Avant-Prog, Math Rock

Moods: Visceral, Angular, Hypnotic, Heavy, Deconstructed, Cold, Bombastic

Musical Qualities: Dissonant, Loops, Uncommon Time Signatures, Riffs, Percussive, Instrumental, Dynamic, Improvisation, Noisy, Repetitive, Rhythmic

Anguish – Anguish

Anguish is a collaboration between German improvisers Mats Gustafsson & Andres Werliin of the Fire! Orchestra, Hans Joachim Irmler of FaUst, and Will Brooks & Mike Mare of industrial hip-hop legends Dälek.

Style: Industrial Hip-Hop, Dark Jazz, Post-Industrial, Experimental

Moods: Dystopian, Aggressive, Urban, Poetic, Political, Revolutionary, Cerebral, Existential, Sombre, Dark, Depressive, Cold, Mechanical, Heavy, Apocalyptic, Moody, Brooding, Conscious, Abstract, Cryptic, Industrial, Nocturnal, Ominous, Raw, Philosophical

Musical Qualities: Beats, Dissonant, Noisy, Improvisation, Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument

Instrumentation: Rapping, Sampler, Tenor Saxophone, Synthesizers, Electric Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Electronics, Effect Processing, Vocal Processing

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

Cecil Taylor – Indent

Style: Free Improvisation, Free Jazz

Moods: Passionate, Kinetic, Complex, Ecstatic, Dramatic, Energetic, Angular, Exploratory, Meditative, Focused

Musical Qualities: Solo Improvisation, Dense, Acoustic, Progressive, Dynamic, Percussive, Atonal, Active Listening, Instrumental, Technical, Rhythmic, Live

World Saxophone Quartet – Live at Brooklyn Academy of Music

Style: Post-Bop, Modern Creative

Moods: Elegant, Intertwined, Warm, Reflective, Airy, Colorful

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Thematic, Improvisation, Acoustic, Live

Instrumentation: Saxophones (Baritone, Alto, Soprano, Tenor), Clarinet, Bass Clarinet

Charles Lloyd – Forest Flower

featuring Jack DeJohnnette, Cecil McBee & Keith Jarret

Style: Post-Bop, Spiritual Jazz

Moods: Spring, Flowing, Mellow, Spiritual, Warm

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Improvisation, Thematic, Live, Technical

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

Scorces – Vivre avec la bête

Style: Drone, Ritual-Psych

Moods: Haunting, Ritualistic, Nocturnal, Shadowy, Eerie, Meditative, Open, Abstract, Primordial, Summoning, Sombre, Intimate, Mellow, Raw

Musical Qualities: Sparse, Soft, Slow, Repetitive, Droney, Lo-fi, Improvisation

Instrumentation: Electric Guitar, Experimental Vocals

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

Vapour Theories – Celestial Scuzz

Style: Ritual-Psych, Drone, Dark Ambient

Moods: Nocturnal, Meditative, Mysterious, Murky, Spiritual, Hypnotic, Psychedelic, Ritualistic

Musical Qualities: Droney, Improvisation, Repetitive, Atmospheric, Instrumental

Dengue Dengue Dengue – Zenit & Nadir

Styles: Digital Cumbia, Organic Beat Music, Psychedelic Electronic

Moods: Brooding, Earthy, Intertwined, Shadowy, Dancing, Determined, Tribal, Complex, Mystical, Hypnotic, Mechanical, Ominous, Rootsy, Haunting, Dark, Knotted, Mysterious, Ritualistic, Futuristic

Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Percussive, Loops, Progressive, SpokenWord, Electro-Acoustic, Sampling

Bardo Pond – Bufo Alvarius

Style: Free Rock, Space Rock, Stoner Rock

Moods: Primordial, Nocturnal, Ritualistic, Cathartic, Hallucinogenic, Exploratory, Raw, Surreal

Musical Qualities: Fuzzy, Collective Improvisation, Slow, Repetitive, Noisy, Riffs, Washy, Bluesy, Dense

Spires that in the Sunset Rise

Style: Free Folk, Ritual-Psych

Moods: Eerie, Forest, Nocturnal, Ritualistic, Witchy, Disturbing, Haunting, Communal, Pagan, Cryptic, Anxious, Surreal, Dark, Chaotic, Mysterious

Musical Qualities: Dissonant, Acoustic, Improvisation, Lo-Fi

Instrumentation: Cello, Violin, Acoustic Guitar, Autoharp, Melodica, Harmonium, Little Harp, Percussion, Mbira, Piano

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

Embryo & The No-Neck Blues Band – EmbryoNNCK

Style: Free-Psych, Free-Folk, Kosmische

Moods: Primordial, Ritualistic, Exploratory, Mysterious, Hypnotic, Eerie, Jungle, Meandering, Ominous, Abstract, Psychedelic, Tribal

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Lo-Fi, Percussive, Repetitive

Instrumentation: Vibraphone, Experimental Vocals, Percussion, Electric Guitar, Oud, Synthesizers

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

The Soft Machine

Style: Canterbury Scene, Psych Pop, Progressive Pop, Jazz-Influenced

Moods: Surreal, Whimsical, Dadaist, Playful, Joyful, Uplifting

Musical Qualities: Suite, Catchy, Complex, Uncommon Time Signatures, Loose

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

Rangda – False Flag

Style: Psych, Free-Rock, Noise Rock

Vibe: Bombastic, Energetic, Desert, Thorny, Chaotic, Psychedelic, Serpentine, Western

Musical Qualities: Shred, Fuzzy, Improvisation, Instrumental, Noisy

Coltrane live at Birdland

Style: Post-Bop

Moods: Passionate, Sentimental, Tender, Cathartic, Mournful, Energetic, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Acoustic, Virtuosic, Instrumental

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

Ka Baird – Respires

Style: EAI, Post-Minimalism, Psychedelic Experimental

Moods: Earthy, Visceral, Hallucinogenic, Tangled, Hypnotic, Surreal, Knotty, Intertwined

Musical Qualities: Electro-Acoustic, Pulse, Experimental Vocalizations, Improvisation, Repetitive

Instrumentation: Flute, Vocals & Keyboards, all processed through stereo delay effects

The No-Neck Blues Band – Qvaris

Style: Free Rock, Ritual Psych, Experimental

Moods: Primordial, Free, Exploratory, Mysterious, Suspenseful, Ritualistic, Shadowy, Meandering, Deconstructed, Abstract, Communal, Deconstructed, Nihilistic, Murky, Stoned, Raw, Haunting, Surreal, Nocturnal

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dissonant, Repetitive, Loose, Droney

Helena Espvall & Masaki Batoh – Overloaded Ark

Style: Progressive Folk, Acid Folk, Psychedelic Chamber Music

Moods: Mysterious, Exploratory, Medieval, Mystical, Ancient, Brooding, Forest, Haunting, Serpentine, Ritualistic, Cinematic

Musical Qualities: Complex, Dense, Acoustic, Progressive, Percussive, Noisy, Improvisation

Instrumentation: Cello, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Organ, Sho, Banjo, Renaissance Harp, Rauschpfeife, Crumhorn, Cornamuse, Hurdy Gurdy, Electronics, Darbuka, Riq, Frame Drum, Percussion, Recorder, Piano, Vocal Harmonies

Natural Information Society Community Ensemble – Since Time is Gravity

Style: Organic Music, Psychedelic Jazz, Ecstatic Minimalism, Gnawa

Moods: Ritualistic, Communal, Contemplative, Meditative, Earthy, Transcendent, Psychedelic, Colorful, Soothing, Spiritual, Peaceful

Featuring Ari Brown, Hamid Drake, Ben Lamar Gay, Mai Sugimoto, Jason Stein, Mikel Patrick Avery, Lisa Albarado, Kara Bershad, Josh Berman, and Nick Mazzarella

James Newton – James Newton

Style: Chamber-Jazz

Moods: Elegant, Peaceful, Airy, Flowing, Mellow

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Improvisation, Technical, Melodic, Soft

Personnel

James Newton – Flute; John Blake – Violin; Anthony Davis – Piano; Slide Hampton – Trombone; Billy Hart – Drums; Jay Haggard – Vibraphone; Cecil McBee – Upright Bass

Sunburned Hand of the Man – Weekend at Burnie’s 2

Style: Experimental, Psychedelic Hardcore, Comedy, Death Metal

Vibe: Primal, Vulgar, Eccentric, Raw, Messy, Disturbing, Cathartic, Creepy, Surreal

Musical Qualities: Lo-fi, Eclectic, Spoken Word, Noisy, Improvisation, Yelling

Pelt – Brown Cyclopaedia

Style: Free Rock, Ritual-Psych, Noise Rock, Experimental, Drone Rock

Mood: Raw, Ritualistic, Primordial, Suspenseful, Cathartic, Eerie, Hypnotic, Meandering, Meditative, Murky

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dynamic, Noisy, Dissonant, Droney, Fuzzy, Lo-fi, Heavy, Repetitive, Spoken Word, Feedback

Charalambides – Strangle the Wretched Heavens

Style: Ritual Psych, Drone, Free Folk

Moods: Ritualistic, Nocturnal, Hypnotic, Witchy, Cathartic, Mysterious, Abstract, Haunting

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Noisy, Droney, Fuzzy, Dissonant, Raw

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

Albert Ayler – Witches & Devils

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz

Vibe: Passionate, Kinetic, Transcendent, Flowing, Free, Responsive, Uplifting

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Thematic, Acoustic, Dynamic, Instrumental

Don Cherry – Where is Brooklyn

Personnel:
Don Cherry – Cornet, Pharaoh Sanders – Tenor Sax, Piccolo; Henry Grimes – Upright Bass; Ed Blackwell – Drums

Style: Free Jazz

Moods: Driving, Energetic, Urban, Communal, Passionate, Playful, Chaotic

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Improvisation, Complex, Acoustic, Rhythmic, Dissonant, Extended Technique

Bardo Pond | Yo La Tengo – Parallelograms

Style: Free Psych, Shoegaze, Space Rock, Noise Rock, Jam Band

Moods: Mysterious, Desert, Nocturnal, Cathartic, Cryptic, Primordial, Murky, Ethereal, Lethargic, Meandering, Melancholy, Hypnotic

Musical Qualities: Washy, Collective Improvisation, Fuzzy, Repetitive, Jams, Slow, Droney, Noisy, Climactic, Riffs

David Grubbs – The Plain Where the Palace Stood

Style: Avant-Rock, Experimental Songwriter

Moods: Cryptic, Knotty, Philosophical, Deconstructed, Angular, Enigmatic, Mysterious, Moody, Contemplative, Suspenseful, Surreal, Reflective

Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Complex, Progressive, Improvisation, Resonant

Bardo Pond – On the Ellipse

Style: Free Psych, Space Rock Revival, Acid Folk, Shoegaze

Moods: Melancholy Nocturnal,, Searching, Lethargic, Stoned, Sombre, Lonely, Cathartic, Suspenseful

Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Riffs, Fuzzy, Climactic, Washy, Improvisation, Loose, Noisy

Sunburned Hand of the Man – Wedlock

Style: Free Psych, Free Folk, Sound Collage, Experimental, Jam Band

Moods: Celebratory, Communal, Joyful, Earthy, Exploratory, Ritualistic, Playful, Meandering, Uplifting, Sunny, Whimsical, Psychedelic, Spontaneous, Tribal

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Lo-Fi, Collage, Field Recordings, Spoken Word, Jams, Acoustic, Raw

Jackie-O Motherfucker – Flags of the Sacred Harp

Style: Free-Folk, Weird Americana

Moods: Weary, Melancholy, Pastoral, Communal, Tender, Meandering, Bittersweet, Hopeful, Rustic, Haunting, Murky, Rainy, Sombre, Rootsy

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Vocal Harmonies, Droney, Thematic, Loose

Angel Bat David – The Oracle

Style: Organic Beat Music, Bedroom Gospel, Spiritual Jazz

Moods: Heartfelt, Raw, Sombre, Spiritual, Flowing, Passionate, Mournful, Mysterious, Haunting, Cathartic, Eclectic

Musical Qualities: Home Recording, Collage, Beats, Improvisation, Solo, Loose, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Lo-fi

Instrumentation: Clarinet, Vocals, Keyboards, Percussion, Drums

The Futuristic Folk of The Tower Recordings [Vol. 1 & 2]

These ceremonial meanderings are the interrupted transmissions of campfire songs picked up by intergalactic satellites. Past and future collapse as old-timey banjo melodies fade into squiggly synthesizers and lo-fi electronics. Distant harmonicas sink behind thick fogs of ghostly whirring, while warped slide guitar, drone fiddle and echo percussion bubble through the folky primordial soup

Isotope 217° – Utonian_Automatic

Rob Mazurek, Dan Bitney, Jeff Parker, John Herndon & Matt Lux

Style: Cyber-Jazz, Future Dub, Jazz Fission, Abstract Groove, Post-Rock

Moods: Futuristic, Playful, Spacey, Driving, Mechanical, Abstract, Groovy, Surreal, Suspenseful

Instrumentation: Cornet, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Electric Bass

Seven Rivers of Fire – Way of the Pilgrim

“Way of the Pilgrim” unfolds as a 4-movement suite of dark acoustic summoning rituals, spiritually connected to a mystical lineage of wyrd-folk practitioners through the ages. That strangely familiar feeling of being lost in the woods, of venturing into the archetypal unknown, pervades the atmosphere right from the opening… [Click for full review]

Recommended if you dig Six Organs of Admittance, Fursaxa, Robbie Basho, Third Ear Band

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

Rob Mazurek – Alternate Moon Cycles

Style: Ambient Jazz, Minimalism, Drone

Moods: Peaceful, Meditative, Elegant, Patient, Soothing, Nocturnal, Focused, Ritualistic

Musical Qualities: Slow, Sparse, Minimalistic, Lo-fi, Thematic, Improvisation, Live

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

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

Wet Tuna – Water Weird

Style: Country-Psych, Folk-Funk, Jam Band

Vibe: Aquatic, Summer, Warm, Groovy, Spacey, Laid Back, Playful, Stoned

Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Atmospheric, Improvisation, Loose, Lo-Fi

Å irom – Uteko?injeni prestol preprostih (The Liquified Throne of Simplicity)

Style: “Imaginary Folk”, Ritual Folk, Psychedelic Minimalism

Moods: Mysterious, Ritualistic, Earthy, Tribal, Exploratory, Hypnotic, Mystical, Sombre, Surreal

Musical Qualities: Percussive, Microtonal, Polyphonic, Improvisation, Acoustic, Complex, Uncommon Time Signatures, Repetitive, Instrumental

Instrumentation: Guimbri, Banjo, Frame Drum, Viola, Hurdy Gurdy, Tampura, Balafon, Chimes, Lute, Lyre, Ribab, Mizmar

Ulaan Passerine – Sun Spar

Style: Shadow Americana, Free Folk, Country-Drone, Post-Rock

Moods: Western, Haunting, Ritualistic, Impressionistic, Meditative, Rustic, Cinematic

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Instrumental, Droney, Atmospheric

Charalambides – Market Square

Style: Drone, Free Folk, Post-Rock

Moods: Bleak, Depressive, Nocturnal, Uneasy, Urban, Raw, Hypnotic, Dark, Ominous, Ragged, Ethereal, Death, Suspenseful, Intimate, Murky, Western

Musical Qualities: Dissonant, Lo-Fi, Improvisation, Sparse, Repetitive, Droney, Atmospheric

Jessica Moss – Galaxy Heart

Styles: Chamber Drone, Electro-Acoustic, Free Improvisation, Post-Rock

Moods: Apocalyptic, Sombre, Cathartic, Nature, Exploratory, Spiritual, Angsty, Anthemic, Aquatic, Brooding, cathartic, Heartfelt, Mournful, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Droney, Electro-Acoustic, Thematic, Repetitive, Loops, Fuzzy

Joyfultalk – Familiar Science

Style: Cyber-Jazz, Progressive Electronic, Jazz Fission

Vibe: Futuristic, Colorful, Abstract, Playful

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Complex, Improvisation, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive, Sampling

Shabaka – Afrikan Culture

Style: New Age, Spiritual Jazz

Moods: Meditative, Devotional, Soothing, Mellow, Flowing, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Improvisation, Instrumental, Atmospheric

Instrumentation: Shakuhachi, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Harp, Flute, Synthesizers, Percussion, Kora

Charalambides – Joy Shapes

Style: Free Folk, Drone, Avant-Folk

Vibe: Nocturnal, Shadowy, Cautious, Hypnotic, Ritualistic, Eerie, Existential, Murky, Psychedelic

Musical Qualities: Droney, Improvisation, Loops, Slow, Loose, Dissonant, Chants, Atmospheric

Osjan – Roots

Style: Free Folk, Organic Music, Progressive Folk, Psychedelic Chamber Music

Moods: Ritualistic, Ancient, Flowing, Tribal, Earthy, Communal, Hypnotic, Intertwined, Medieval, Mysterious, Mystical, Nocturnal

Musical Qualities: Percussive, Collective Improvisation, ?Acoustic, Suite, Thematic, Progressive, Atmospheric, Repetitive

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, baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, synthesizer

Joshua Abrams’ Cloud Script

Style: Post-Bop

Moods: Elegant, Intertwined, Airy, Longing, Responsive, Tender, Peaceful, Communal

Musical Qualities: Ballads, Improvisation, Thematic, Acoustic, Melodic, Complex

Instrumentation: Upright Bass, Tenor Saxophone, Electric Guitar, Drums

Sandy Bull – Inventions

Styles: Free-Folk, Jazz-Folk, Classical Guitar, Country Blues

Moods: Searching, Impressionistic, Hypnotic, Meditative, Exploratory, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Acoustic, Improvisation, Virtuosic

Alabaster DePlume – GOLD

Style: Art Pop, Spiritual Jazz, Dub Poetry, Collage Pop

Moods: Triumphant, Conversational, Uplifting, Conscious, Communal, Heartfelt, Passionate, Hypnotic, Intertwined, Intimate, Intricate, Playful, Rebellious, Love, Poetic, Reflective, Soothing, Spiritual, Warm,

Musical Qualities: Suite, Improvisation, Analogue Recording, Tape Edits, Dub Production, Sound Collage, Thematic, Polished, Catchy

Instrumentation: Saxophone, Spoken Word, Upright Bass, Drums, Group Vocals, Tabla, Synthesizers, Percussion, Guitar, Cello

Mary Halvorson – Amaryllis & Belladonna

Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Post-Bop, Chamber Jazz, Prog

Moods: Adventurous, Enigmatic, Triumphant, Knotty, Ambitious, Intertwined, Cerebral, Angular, Surreal, Off-Kilter

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Thematic Improvisation, Progressive Structures, Uncommon Time Signature, Instrumental, Intertwined, Lush. Technical

Anteloper – Pink Dolphin

Style: Jazz Fission, Psychedelic Jazz, Abstract Groove

Moods: Aquatic, Cosmic, Colorful, Futuristic, Triumphant, Mysterious, Playful, Exploratory, Surreal, Impressionistic

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Electro-Acoustic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Complex, Rhythmic

Eli Winter – Eli Winter

ft. jaimie branch, Tyler Damon, Sam Wagster, Cameron Knowler, David Grubbs, Ryley Walker, & Yasmin Williams

FFO: Jim O’Rourke (Bad Timing / The Visitor), William Tyler, Ry Cooder Instrumentals, Gastr Del Sol, Elkhorn, Moon Bros, Appalachian Folk, Leo Kottke, Jack Rose

Sélène Saint-Aimé – Potomitan

Style: Avant-garde Chamber Jazz, Afro-Carribean Jazz, Gwoka

Moods/Themes: Ancestry, Ritualistic, Meditative, Hypnotic, Communal, Rootsy, Poetic, Sombre, Elegant, Flowing, Warm, Mystical

Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Percussive, Acoustic, Repetitive, Improvisation, Technical

Instrumentation: Upright Bass, Bèlè Drum, Ka Drum, Trumpet, Tenor Saxophone, Vocals, Cello, Violin

Sun Ra – Nothing Is…

Style: Cosmic Jazz, Free Space Music

Feelings: Exploratory, Cosmic, Forest, Mysterious, Abstract, Intense, Energetic, Spacey, Surreal, Warm

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Acoustic, Polyphonic, Dense, Live Performance, Dissonant, Complex, Dynamic

Rich Ruth – I Survived, It’s Over

Style: Kosmische Jazz, Progressive Electronic, New Age

Vibe: Healing, Cosmic, Warm, Ethereal, Colorful, Uplifting, Spiritual, Exploratory, Heartfelt, Soothing

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Repetitive, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Atmospheric, Instrumental

Instrumentation: Keyboards, Synthesizers, Upright Bass, Saxophone, Electric Guitar, Drums, Flute, Harp

Eric Chenaux – Say Laura

Style: Experimental Singer/Songwriter, Warped Folk Ballads

Vibe: Gentle, Woozy, Romantic, Reflective, Intertwined, Poetic, Warm

Musical Qualities: Crooning Vocals, Improvised Experimental Guitar, Looping

Rangda – Formerly Extinct

Style: Psychedelic Math Rock, Free Rock

Vibe: Desert, Serpentine, Epic, Adventure, Intertwined, Energetic, Bombastic, Mystical

Musical Qualities: Shredding, Riffs, Improvisation, Dynamic, Instrumental, Uncommon Time Signatures, Noisy

Sunburned Circle – The Blaze Game

Style: Ritual-Psych, Free Rock, Krautrock

Vibe: Witchy, Ritualistic, Fiery, Tribal, Cathartic, Free, Hypnotic, Mysterious, Mystical, Primal, Psychedelic

Musical Qualities: Suite, Repetitive, Live, Collective Improvisation, Lo-fi, Percussive, Growling Vocals

Fursaxa – Mycorrhizae Realm

Style: Free-Folk, Ritual-Drone

Vibe: Nature, Mystical, Ritualistic, Dreamy, Forest, Hallucinogenic, Nocturnal, Hypnotic, Sombre

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Droney, Repetitive, Mantra, Electroacoustic

Instrumentation: Harmonium, Vocals, Guitar, Harp, Cello, Flute

George Duke – The Inner Source

Style: Jazz Fusion, Cosmic Jazz-Funk

Vibe: Spacey, Sunny, Warm, Spiritual, Uplifting

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Groovy, Instrumental, Melodic

Charles Mingus – Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus

Style: Post-Bop, Progressive Big Band

Vibe: Elegant, Romantic, Nocturnal, Bustling, Passionate, Warm, Complex, Energetic

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Progressive, Dense, Technical, Acoustic, Improvisation, Lush, Melodic

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

Sunburned Hand of the Man – Complexion

Style: Free Psych

Vibe: Exploratory, Ritualistic, Primal, Hallucinogenic, Amorphous, Murky, Tribal, Meandering, Communal, Chaotic

Musical Qualities: Live, Collective Improvisation, Lo-Fi, Dub Fx, Tape Collage, Noisy, Dissonant

Dirty Three – Ocean Songs

Style: Chamber Rock, Slowcore, Post-Rock

Vibe: Aquatic, Melancholy, Flowing, Patient, Soothing, Meditative, Longing, Lonely, Dreamy, Mellow, Lethargic

Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Loose, Soft, Instrumental, Loops, Improvisation

Instrumentation: Violin, Drums, Electric Guitar, Loops, Melodica, Piano, Harmonica

Matana Roberts / Pat Thomas – The Truth

Style: Free Jazz

Vibe: Spiritual, Conversational, Searching, Abstract, Intertwined

Musical Qualities: Duo Improvisation, Dynamic, Instrumental, Acoustic, Loose, Live Recording, Repetition, Dissonant, Improvised Minimalism

Dave Holland – Life Cycle

Style: Chamber Jazz, Solo Cello

Vibe: Longing, Contemplative, Elegant, Focused, Introspective, Driving, Passionate, Searching

Musical Qualties: Virtuosic, Acoustic, Sparse, Instrumental, Improvisation, Dynamic, Rhythmic, Melodic

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

Coltrane “LIVE” at the Village Vanguard

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Modal Jazz, Post-Bop

Vibe: Searching, Communicative, Passionate, Bustling, Driving

Musical Qualities: Modal, Improvisation, Acoustic, Live Recording, Technical, Thematic, Dense

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

Flower / Corsano / Bejnowski – The Count Visits

Style: Free Improvisation, Noise Rock

Vibe: Cathartic, Hypnotic, Visceral, Ferocious, Aggressive, Spiritual, Intense

Other Qualities: Noisy, Collective Improvisation, Dense, Driving, Loose, Heavy

Instrumentation: Japan Banjo, Drums, Electric Bass

Brother Ah and the Sounds of Awareness – Key to Nowhere

Style: Spiritual Jazz, World Fusion, Soul Jazz

Vibe: Devotional, Communal, Flowing, Peaceful, Warm, Mysterious, Longing, Conscious, Uplifting, Cosmic, Airy, Groovy, Lush, Eclectic

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Percussive, Improvisation, Thematic, Instrumental (Except A1, B3)

Instrumentation: Flute, Harp, Electric Guitar, Mbiri, Upright Bass, Drums, Gong, French Horn, Harmonica, Berimbau, Electric Bass, Percussion

Sunburned Hand of the Man – A Grand Tour of Tunisia

Style: Free-Rock, Ritual-Psych, Group Therapy

Vibe: Meandering, Hallucinogenic, Communal, Ritualistic, Surreal, Messy, Amorphous, Mysterious, Playful, Eccentric, Tribal, Warm

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Lo-fi, Loose, Percussive, Jams, Suite

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

Sathima Bea Benjamin – Windsong

Personnel: Sathima Bea Benjamin – Vocals; Kenny Barron – Piano; Buster Williams – Upright Bass; Billy Higgins – Drums

Style: Vocal Jazz, Spiritual Jazz, Ballads, Traditional

Vibe: Healing, Flowing, Warm, Airy, Spiritual, Soothing, Sombre, Heartfelt, Elegant, Uplifting, Bittersweet, Intimate, Morning, Peaceful, Reflective, Rootsy, Sentimental,

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Soft, Improvisation, Slow, Polished, Lyrical, Lush

James ‘Blood’ Ulmer – Black Rock

Style: Free-Funk, Jazz Funk, Abstract Groove, Funk Rock

Vibe: Bombastic, Manic, Angular, Knotty, Confident, Energetic, Communal, Groovy

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Dissonant, Complex, Rhythmic, Dense, Technical, Group Vocals

Anteloper – Kudu

Style: Cyber-Jazz, Abstract Groove, Avant-Garde Jazz

Vibe: Futuristic, Menacing, Exploratory, Kinetic, Ominous, Spacey, Energetic, Colorful, Surreal, Suspenseful, Adventure

Musical Qualities: Duo Improvisation, Thematic, Instrumental, Electro-Acoustic, Percussive, Rhythmic, Atmospheric

Instrumentation: Trumpet, Drums, Synthesizers, Electronics

Miles Davis – Live in Tokyo 1973

Personnel: Miles Davis – Trumpet, Organ; Pete Cosey – Electric Guitar; Reggie Lucas – Electric Guitar; Al Foster – Drums; Mtume – Percussion, Michael Henderson – Electric Bass; Dave Liebman – Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Flute

Style: Abstract Groove, Psychedelic Jazz Fusion

Vibe: Exploratory, Powerful, Menacing, Mysterious, Serpentine, Complex, Aggressive, Bluesy, Energetic, Groovy, Psychedelic

John Coltrane – Concert in Japan

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz

Vibe: Transcendent, Intense, Passionate, Cosmic, Visceral, Powerful, Complex, Bombastic, Energetic, Chaotic

Musical Qualities: Dense, Instrumental, Acoustic, Collective Improvisation, Polyphonic, Free, Technical, Virtuosic

Tortoise & The Ex – In the Fishtank 5

Style: Experimental Rock, Noise Rock

Vibe: Angsty, Hypnotic, Muscular, Deconstructed, Anxious, Aggressive, Surreal, Moody

Musical Qualities: Noisy, Dissonant, Repetitive, Rhythmic, Improvisation, Spoken Word