Style: Prog, Jazz-Rock, Canterbury Scene
Vibes: Driving, Playful, Political, Eccentric, Energetic, Complex, Triumphant
Themes: Socialist Revolution, Communism (Maoism), Atheism, Existential
Matching Mole – Little Red Record Read More »
Style: Jazz-Rock, Abstract Funk, Psychedelic Soul
Vibes: Playful, Energetic, Eccentric, Urban, Uplifting, Groovy, Bombastic, Confident, Bluesy
Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Fuzzy, Shred, Improvisation, Loose, Group Vocals
Tony Williams Lifetime – The Old Bum’s Rush Read More »
Recorded September 1978 – May 1979 in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, & Germany
Style: Free-Psych, Krautrock, Prog, Jazz-Rock, Raga Rock, Arabic Folk
Vibes: Adventure, Communal, Triumphant, Exploratory, Warm, Psychedelic, Bluesy, Playful, Energetic, Spiritual
Styles: Oceanic Rock, Jazz-Rock, Dub, Post-Rock
Vibes: Focused, Cinematic, Hypnotic, Aquatic, Groovy, Western, Mellow
Instrumentation: Trumpet, Electric Guitar, Upright Bass, Drums, Keyboards
The Drift – Memory Drawings Read More »
Sonny Sharrock, Peter Brötzmann, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Bill Laswell
Style: Free Jazz, Noise Rock, Jazz Fission
Vibes: Aggressive, Dystopian, Chaotic, Bombastic, Urban, Powerful, Deconstructed, Angular, Cold, Dark, Intense
Last Exit – Last Exit Read More »
featuring Robert Wyatt,. Karen Kraft, Chris Spedding, Gary Windo, Gary Valente, Howard Johnson, Terry Adams
Style: Jazz-Rock, Avant-Rock, Zolo
Vibes: Playful, Surreal, Theatric, Anxious, Complex, Cryptic, Eccentric
Carla Bley & Nick Mason – Fictitious Sports Read More »
Style: Canterbury Scene, Progressive Pop, Jazz Rock
Vibes: Whimsical, Romantic, Sunny, Anthemic, Fantasy, Epic, Playful, Pastoral, Warm, Complex, Eccentric, Optimistic
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Progressive, Rhythmic, Riffs, Lush, Improvisation, Technical, Melodic, Vocal Harmonies
Caravan – In the Land of Grey and pink Read More »
with Dave Holland, Bennie Maupin, John Abercrombie, Michael Fellerman, & Mick Goodrick
Style: Psychedelic Jazz-Rock, Prog, Jazz Fusion
Vibe: Exploratory, Mysterious, Driving, Groovy, Psychedelic, Bluesy, Eclectic
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Dub, Shred, Technical, Rhythmic. Progressive
Jack DeJohnette – Sorcery Read More »
Style: Fusion, Neoclassical New Age, Jazz-Rock, Progressive Rock, Mystical Folk
Vibes: Ethereal, Groovy, Exploratory, Dreamy, Cosmic, Meditative, Playful, Psychedelic, Smooth, Soothing, Spiritual
Instrumentation: Koto, Biwa, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Shakuhachi, Nohkan, Strings, Rhodes, Organ, Clavinet, Synthesizers, Chamberlin, Drums, Electric & Acoustic Bass
Osamu Kitajima – Osamu Read More »
Style: Zeuhl, Jazz-Rock, Cosmic Opera, Avant-Prog
Vibe: Epic, Theatric, Menacing, Driving, Anxious, Science Fiction, Cosmic, Dramatic, Eccentric, Dark
Instrumentation: Operatic Vocals, Drums, Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Trumpet, Percussion, Clarinet, Rhodes, Piano, Electric Bass, Flute
Magma II – 1001° centigrades Read More »
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
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.
Henry Cow – Unrest Read More »
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
Joni Mitchell & the L.A. Express – Miles of Aisles Read More »
Styles: Post-Rock, Jazz-Rock, Spaghetti-Western
Moods: Pastoral, Urban, Impressionistic, Western, Hypnotic, Driving, Exploratory
Musical Qualities: Riffs, Thematic Improvisation, Instrumental, Dub
bundy K. Brown / Doug Scharin / James Warden – Directions in Music Read More »
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
Gilli Smyth – Mother Read More »
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
Styles: Jazz-Funk, Japanese Folk, Prog
Moods: Triumphant, Spring, Smooth, Mysterious, Epic, Adventure
Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Progressive, Uncommon Time Signatures, Orchestral, Improvisation, Instrumental, Technical
Instrumentation: Shakuhachi, Koto, Shamisen, Synthesizers, Biwa, Acoustic Guitar, Strings, Electric Bass, Drums, Percussion, Rhodes, Saxophone, Piano, Ehru, Gong, Organ
Osamu Kitajima – Masterless Samurai Read More »
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
Miles Davis – Live in Tokyo 1973 Read More »
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
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
Ornette Coleman – Body Meta Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Jazz Fusion, Prog, Jazz-Rock
Vibe: Psychedelic, Chaotic, Bombastic, Energetic, Groovy, Heavy, Manic
Musical Attributes: Polyphonic, Polyrhythmic, Dense, Instrumental, Odd Time Signatures, Complex, Progressive, Technical, Riffs, Improvisation, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Instrumentation: Electric Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Electric Bass, Saxophone, Keyboards
Omar Rodriguez Lopez Quintet – The Apocalypse Inside of an Orange Read More »
Style: Progressive Rock, Jazz Rock, Symphonic Prog
Vibe: Alienation, Longing, Sentimental, Dramatic, Heartfelt, Cathartic, Introspective, Existential, Theatric, Lonely, Sad, Passionate, Epic
Musical Qualities: Technical, Progressive, Complex, Dynamic, Ballads
Instrumentation: Piano, Organ, Acoustic Guitar, Saxophones (Alto, Tenor, Baritone), Flute, Drums, Tympani, Electric Bass
Van Der Graaf Generator – H to He Who Am the Only One Read More »
Style: Space Rock, Canterbury Scene, Prog, Jazz-Rock
Vibes: Eccentric, Surreal, Playful, Epic, Psychedelic, Theatric, Energetic, Spiritual, Conceptual, Energetic
Musical Qualities: Progressive, Complex, Driving, Technical
Gong – Camembert Electrique Read More »
Style: Jazz-Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Psychedelic Folk-Rock
Vibe: Romantic, Warm, Cryptic, Reflective, Passionate, Heartfelt, Lethargic, Stoned, Sunny
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Melodic, Improvisation
John Martyn – Inside Out Read More »
Style: Social Music, Abstract Groove, Psych-Jazz, Free Fusion
Vibe: Adventure, Driving, Groovy, Menacing, Confident, Energetic, Complex, Climactic, Exploratory
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dense, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Thematic, Instrumental, Polyphonic
Miles Davis – Live Evil Read More »
Style: Cosmic Blues, Jazz Fusion, Spiritual Jazz, Abstract Groove
Vibe: Cathartic, Kinetic, Energized, Exploratory, Cosmic, Spiritual, Propulsive
Musical Qualities: Power Trio, Collective Improvisation, Rhythmic, Dynamic, Loose, Instrumental, Ostinato
William Parker – Mayan Space Station Read More »
Style: Progressive Rock, Jazz-Rock, Chamber Music
Vibe: Pastoral, Mythical, Mysterious, Epic, Bombastic, Mellow, Aquatic, Dreamy
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Progressive, Complex, Improvisation, Uncommon Time Signatures
Instrumentation: Electric Guitar, Mellotron, Saxophones, Flute, Piano, Drums, Electric Bass, Upright Bass, Cornet, Oboe
King Crimson – Islands Read More »
Style: Jazz-Rock, Prog, Kosmische, Psychedelic Jazz, Space Rock
Vibe: Exploratory, Triumphant, Adventurous, Cosmic, Epic, Groovy, Spacey, Playful, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Complex, Improvisation, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Progressive, Raga, Technical
Instrumentation: Saxophones (Soprano & Alto), Flutes, Nadaswaram, Mallet Percussion (Vibraphone, Marimba, Hammered Dulcimer), Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Drums, Percussion, Saz, Keyboards (Piano, Fender Rhodes, Clavinet)
Embryo – We Keep On Read More »
Style: Prog-Pop, Canterbury Scene, Space Rock, Jazz-Rock
Vibe: Playful, Aquatic, Mystical, Adventure, Spacey, Hypnotic, Sunny, Energetic, Triumphant, Colorful, Conceptual
Musical Qualities: Progressive, Groovy, Technical, Polyphonic, Suite, Melodic, Riffs, Atmospheric, Jams
Steve Hillage – Fish Rising Read More »
Style: Progressive Songwriter, Jazz-Rock, Prog-Folk, Post-Rock
Vibe: Spring, Introspective, Warm, Intertwoven, Bright, Colorful, Carefree, Reflective, Personal
Musical Qualities: Lush, Progressive, Odd Time Signatures, Intricate, Dynamic, Polished, Improvisation, Lyrical, Riffs, Orchestral Arrangements
Ryley Walker – Course in Fable Read More »
Style: Progressive-Pop, Avant-Songwriter, Jazz-Rock, Math-Pop
Vibe: Whispery, Angular, Intimate, Heartfelt, Cerebral, Reflective, Love / Breakup, Restrained, Introspective, Contemplative, Anxious, Loner
Musical Qualities: Odd Time Signatures, Jazz-Influenced, Technical, Dynamic, Lyrical
Wendy Eisenberg – Auto Read More »
Style: Surreal Pop, Imaginative Singer/Songwriter, Prog-Pop, Canterbury Scene
Vibe: Dreamy, Ethereal, Airy, Floating, Surreal, Eclectic, Introspective, Complex, Mellow, Imaginative, Atmospheric
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Melodic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Active listening, Jazz-Influenced
Robert Wyatt – Shleep Read More »
Style: Experimental Singer-Songwriter, Art Pop, Canterbury Scene, Jazz-Rock
Vibe: Political (Anti-Capitalist, Anti-Imperialist), Satirical, Conscious, Melancholy, Hypnotic
Musical Attributes/Instrumentation: Sparse, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Layered Vocals, Digital Keyboards, Drum Machines, Percussion, Synthesizers, Piano
Robert Wyatt – Old Rottenhat Read More »
Style: Psych / Prog / Experimental Rock
Vibe: Bombastic, Hallucinogenic, Chaotic, Energetic, Psychedelic
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Dense, Complex, Rhythmic, Riffs, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Technical, Odd Time Signatures
Omar Rodriguez Lopez – Old Money Read More »
Composer and upright bassist Spencer Zahn crafts a peaceful album of impressionistic and pastoral jazz that recalls Talk Talk, ECM Records, In a Silent Way, and Bill Frisell. The atmospheres are open and washy thanks to sweeping piano gestures and Dave Harrington’s guitar loopery, while the slow, rolling rhythms of drummer Kenny Wollesen and percussionist Mauro Refosco keep the results grounded.
Spencer Zahn – Sunday Painter Read More »
Style: Jazz Fusion, Future Jazz, Post-Rock
Vibe: Forest, Knotty, Intricate, Nature, Impressionistic, Mysterious
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Modal
[Click for album overview, listening links, and more information]
David Lord – Forest Standards, Vol. 2 Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Jazz-Folk
Vibe: Passionate, Sensual, Exploratory, Loner, Primal
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Live, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Congas, Vibraphone, Electric Bass, Drums
Tim Buckley – Live at the Troubadour 1969 Read More »
Released in 1973 on Virgin Records Format: LP Style: Canterbury Scene, Jazz-Rock, Prog Vibe: Playful, Complex, Eccentric, Uplifting Musical Attribues: Odd Time Signatures, Technical, Suite, Melodic, Progressive
Hatfield and the North – Hatfield and the North Read More »
Released in 2014 on Svart Records Recorded 2011 Format: LP
Sonny Simmons & Moksha Samnyasin – Nomadic Read More »
Style: Canterbury Scene, Jazz-Rock, Progressive Rock
Vibe: Exploratory, Complex, Mysterious, Epic
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Instrumental, Thematic, Suite, Progressive, Technical, Live, Odd Time Signatures
Soft Machine – Live at Henie Onstad Art Center 1971 Read More »
The second Radio Gnome transmission finds Zero the Hero astral projecting to PlanetGong where he meets with Selene the Moon Goddess and the Octave Doctors to learn the infinite powers of their lovewisdom vibrations. This psychedelic journey brings together fantastical imagery of pothead pixies and flying teapots (and a dose of hippy hedonism) with heady spiritual concepts delivered in a quite fun and silly way, but even before digging into the concept I was immediately grabbed by their unique style spacey jazz-rock with its propulsive bass lines, immersive synthesizer atmospheres and serpentine soprano sax soloing.
Gong – Angel’s Egg (Radio Gnome Invisible Part 2) Read More »
Released in 1975 on Virgin Records UK Pressing Format: LP
Hatfield and the North – The Rotters’ Club Read More »
Released in 1983 on Columbia Records Format: LP
James Blood Ulmer – Odyssey Read More »
Released in 1971 on Columbia Recorded Feb-April 1970 Format: LP
Miles Davis – A Tribute to Jack Johnson Read More »
Innovative guitarist and producer Dave Harrington (Darkside) uses his latest record to explore the outer reaches of improvisation and compositional post-production. Pure Imagination, No Country is jazz-rock fusion stripped of its retro connotations—fusing hard grooves, free flights of collective improvisation, and futuristic ambience to create something that is at turns atmospheric and in your face.
Recommended for fans of Bill Frisell, Terje Rypdal, or Jaga Jazzist
Dave Harrington Group – Pure Imagination, No Country Read More »
Released in 2018 on Jagjaguwar Format: LP
Unknown Mortal Orchestra – IC-01 Hanoi Read More »
Released in 1970 on Straight Records Format: LP
Tim Buckley – Starsailor Read More »
Released in 1970 on Island Records UK Pressing Format: LP
King Crimson – Lizard Read More »
Released in 1990 on Mantra Recorded live in 1973 2019 RSD Pressing
Gong – Live in Paris – Bataclan 73 Read More »
Pulling away from the jazzy psych-pop of their first two albums, Soft Machine gears towards sprawling sidelong compositions of spacey prog infused with thematic jazz fusion improvisations, compositional edits, and heavy doses of experimental post-production (Click for Full Review)
Soft Machine – Third Read More »
Released in 1988 on Parlophone Records 2012 Pressing
Talk Talk – Spirit of Eden Read More »
Information: This album was released in 1969 on Bizzarre Records
Frank Zappa – Hot Rats Read More »
Information: Originally released in 1971 This deluxe pressing was released in 2013 on Klimt Records Format: LPx2 (second LP contains bonus tracks)
Caravan – In the Land of Grey and Pink [Deluxe Edition] Read More »
Album Information: Released in 2009 on Rodriguez Lopez Productions Artwork by Sonny Kay Recorded on the E-Clat Morgue Portable Disaster Unit by Lars Stalfors, Omar Rodriguez Lopez, and Jon Debaun Format: LP, Translucent Yellow, Limited to 750 copies
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez – Solar Gambling Read More »
Acoustic-shredder/singer-songwriter ventures out of the jazz-inflected folk-rock territory explored by his last few albums to create something that feels fully himself. Deafman Glance is full of angular left turns, complex structures, airy flutes, jazz detours, and psychedelic atmospheres. A balance of great songwriting, jazz musicianship, and experimental/art-rock tendencies. Recommended to fans of Tortoise’s Standards, Tim Buckley’s Starsailor, and King Crimson’s Red. (Click for full review).
Ryley Walker – Deafman Glance Read More »
