The Influence and Legacy of Yesterdays New Quintet's Angles Without Edges
How Yesterdays New Quintet Created a Masterpiece of Jazz Fusion with Angles Without Edges
Yesterdays New Quintet is a jazz project by hip hop producer Madlib, who is known for his eclectic and prolific musical output. In 2001, he released his first album under this name, Angles Without Edges, which was a groundbreaking fusion of jazz, hip hop, soul, funk and electronic music. The album was presented as a fictional quintet or virtual band, consisting of members Monk Hughes, Ahmad Miller, Joe McDurfey, Malik Flowers and Otis Jackson Jr, all of which are pseudonyms used by Madlib (except for the latter, which is his real name). In this article, we will explore how Madlib created this masterpiece of jazz fusion with Angles Without Edges.
Yesterdays New Quintet - Angles Without Edges (2001)
What is Angles Without Edges?
Angles Without Edges is the debut album by Yesterdays New Quintet, released in 2001 by Stones Throw Records. The album consists of 19 tracks, ranging from short interludes to full-length songs. The album features Madlib playing various instruments, such as keyboards, synthesizers, vibraphone, electric bass, kalimba, drums, percussion, electric guitar, clavinet and omnichord. He also used samples and loops from various sources, such as jazz records, soul classics and movie soundtracks. The album has a diverse and eclectic sound, blending elements of nu jazz, jazz rap, contemporary jazz and Afro-Cuban jazz. The album also showcases Madlib's skills as a composer and arranger, creating complex and rich melodies and harmonies.
How did Madlib make Angles Without Edges?
Madlib made Angles Without Edges using his home studio and his collection of vintage instruments and equipment. He recorded most of the tracks in his living room, which he called The Dump. He also used another studio called The Bomb Shelter for some tracks. He used an 8-track recorder and a 4-track recorder to layer and mix his recordings. He also used various drum machines and samplers, such as the SP-12 and the MPC 2000. He did not use any computers or software for the production of the album.
Madlib did not have any formal musical training or background in jazz. He learned how to play various instruments by himself, mostly by ear. He was influenced by various jazz artists and genres, such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Sun Ra, Alice Coltrane and Latin jazz. He also drew inspiration from his hip hop roots and his collaborations with other artists, such as Lootpack, Quasimoto and MF Doom.
Madlib did not have any specific concept or theme for the album. He made the tracks spontaneously and intuitively, without any pre-written compositions or arrangements. He experimented with different sounds and styles, creating a unique and original musical expression. He also gave each track a name that reflected its mood or vibe.
What are some of the highlights of Angles Without Edges?
Angles Without Edges is a diverse and dynamic album that offers something for every listener. Here are some of the highlights of the album:
"Prelude" - The opening track sets the tone for the album with a short but sweet introduction that features a soothing piano melody and a warm bass line.
"Julani" - The second track is a lively and upbeat tune that showcases Madlib's skills on the vibraphone and the electric bass. The track has a catchy groove and a funky feel.
"Papa" - The third track is a tribute to Madlib's father Otis Jackson Sr., who was also a musician and producer. The track features a sample of his father's voice saying "I love you son" over a soulful beat.
"Keeper of My Soul" - The fourth track is a cover of a song by Walter Bishop Jr., a jazz pianist who played with Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. The track features Madlib playing an electric piano solo over a smooth rhythm section.
"The One Who Knows" - The fifth track is a mellow and relaxing tune that features Madlib playing a kalimba over a laid-back beat.
"The Birth of YNQ" - The sixth track is an interlude that
What are the reviews of Angles Without Edges?
Angles Without Edges has received critical acclaim from various sources, such as music magazines, websites and blogs. The album has been praised for its innovative and creative fusion of jazz and hip hop, as well as Madlib's musical versatility and talent. Here are some of the reviews of the album:
"Using jazz experimentation, education, and the unequivocal brilliance of his hip-hop creativity as a primary instrument, Madlib leads this record of paramount importance in the modern jazz and hip-hop worlds alike. Favoring swatches of lounge-heavy atmosphere and Fender Rhodes rivers to forever soulful infinity, big beats, and abstract soloing on everything from vibraphone to the turntable itself, Angles Without Edges is where music hoped to go by 2001. This is a hip-hop record made with jazz principles of improvisation, spacy cut-and-paste passages of drifting solos, and periods of vamping grooves that are layered handsomely with uncut breaks that build on top of themselves, eventually creating what may be the Bitches Brew of the new millennium."
"Angles Without Edges isn't guilty of being bad, just uninspired. Good jazz, like good electronic music, relies on many individually unique sounds to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Unfortunately for YNQ, they've chosen to use only one sound-- Madlib's-- which is already well-documented elsewhere. And while it's a good sound-- one that I've enjoyed on many other records-- it's not enough to carry an entire album by itself."
"Each track has its own intricacies that beg attentive listening. An album that is equal parts jazz, hip-hop and funk, Madlib and his band have pushed the envelope of hip-hop with ease and limitless style. Angles Without Edges is completely original, addictive and unmissable."
What is the influence of Angles Without Edges?
Angles Without Edges is an influential album that has inspired many artists and listeners who appreciate the fusion of jazz and hip hop. The album has also contributed to the development of the nu jazz genre, which incorporates elements of electronic music, funk, soul and world music into jazz. The album has also demonstrated Madlib's versatility and creativity as a producer and musician, who has continued to explore various musical styles and genres in his subsequent projects.
Some of the artists who have been influenced by Angles Without Edges include:
Flying Lotus, who has collaborated with Madlib and has cited him as a major influence on his experimental electronic music.
Robert Glasper, who has blended jazz, hip hop and soul in his albums such as Black Radio and Canvas.
Karriem Riggins, who has worked with Madlib and has produced jazz and hip hop albums such as Alone Together and Headnod Suite.
Thundercat, who has played bass on several tracks by Yesterdays New Quintet and has released his own albums of jazz fusion and funk such as Drunk and It Is What It Is.
Kamasi Washington, who has played saxophone on some of Madlib's projects and has released his own epic jazz albums such as The Epic and Heaven and Earth.
How to listen to Angles Without Edges?
If you are interested in listening to Angles Without Edges, you have several options to choose from. You can buy the album on compact disc or vinyl record from various online or physical stores, such as Amazon, Discogs or Stones Throw Records. You can also stream or download the album from various digital platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music or Bandcamp. You can also watch some videos of Yesterdays New Quintet performing some of the tracks live on YouTube.
Whichever option you choose, we recommend that you listen to the album with an open mind and a good pair of headphones or speakers. Angles Without Edges is an album that deserves your full attention and appreciation. It is an album that will take you on a musical journey through different sounds and styles, and will challenge and inspire you along the way.
Why should you listen to Angles Without Edges?
Angles Without Edges is an album that you should listen to if you are a fan of jazz, hip hop or any other genre of music that values creativity and experimentation. Angles Without Edges is an album that showcases Madlib's musical genius and vision, as well as his respect and love for jazz and its history. Angles Without Edges is an album that transcends genres and boundaries, and creates a unique and original musical expression. Angles Without Edges is an album that will enrich your musical knowledge and experience, and will make you appreciate the art and craft of music making.
Angles Without Edges is not just an album, it is a musical statement. It is a statement that says that music can be anything you want it to be, as long as you have the passion, the skill and the courage to make it happen. It is a statement that says that music can be a powerful tool for communication, education and inspiration. It is a statement that says that music can be a source of joy, beauty and wonder.
How to appreciate Angles Without Edges?
Angles Without Edges is an album that can be appreciated on different levels and from different perspectives. Here are some tips on how to appreciate Angles Without Edges:
Pay attention to the details. Angles Without Edges is an album that is full of subtle and intricate details that make each track unique and interesting. Listen to the different instruments, sounds and samples that Madlib uses and how he combines them. Listen to the variations and changes in the rhythms, melodies and harmonies. Listen to the mood and atmosphere that each track creates.
Learn about the influences. Angles Without Edges is an album that is influenced by various jazz artists and genres, as well as other musical styles and cultures. Learn about the history and context of the jazz music that Madlib samples or pays homage to. Learn about the artists that Madlib admires and respects, such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and Sun Ra. Learn about the musical traditions and innovations that Madlib incorporates, such as Afro-Cuban jazz, Latin jazz, soul jazz and free jazz.
Enjoy the diversity. Angles Without Edges is an album that is diverse and eclectic in its sound and style. Enjoy the variety and contrast that each track offers. Enjoy the fusion and mix of different musical elements and genres. Enjoy the balance and harmony that Madlib achieves between jazz and hip hop.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed how to listen to, appreciate and enjoy Angles Without Edges, the first album by Yesterdays New Quintet, a jazz project by hip hop producer Madlib. We have explained what Angles Without Edges is, how Madlib made it, what are the reviews and the influence of the album, and how to listen to it. We have also provided some tips on how to appreciate the album on different levels and perspectives.
Angles Without Edges is an album that deserves your attention and admiration. It is an album that showcases Madlib's musical genius and vision, as well as his respect and love for jazz and its history. It is an album that transcends genres and boundaries, and creates a unique and original musical expression. It is an album that will enrich your musical knowledge and experience, and will make you appreciate the art and craft of music making.
Angles Without Edges is not just an album, it is a musical statement. It is a statement that says that music can be anything you want it to be, as long as you have the passion, the skill and the courage to make it happen. It is a statement that says that music can be a powerful tool for communication, education and inspiration. It is a statement that says that music can be a source of joy, beauty and wonder.
We hope you have enjoyed this article and learned something new about Angles Without Edges. If you want to listen to the album or learn more about Yesterdays New Quintet or Madlib, please visit their website www.stonesthrow.com or contact them directly. Thank you for reading. a27c54c0b2
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