Shabaka - Of The Earth (2026)
This feels more like a personal ritual than a traditional jazz record. The flute leads much of the atmosphere, floating over percussion loops and soft electronic textures. It’s clearly intentional — Shabaka is building a contemplative space rather than pushing for virtuoso fireworks.
But the pieces often drift instead of evolving. Ideas appear, circle, and dissolve without transforming into something structurally decisive. The mood is strong, but the architecture underneath it stays loose.
I respect the sincerity and the spiritual ambition. I just don’t feel the tension tightening across the album.
It’s immersive.
Just not structurally gripping.
Pros
Strong sonic identity
The blend of flute, sax, percussion loops and electronics creates a clearly authored sound world that feels personal to Shabaka.
Spiritual atmosphere
The album sustains a ceremonial, meditative tone that can be immersive when you settle into it.
Instrumental versatility
Shabaka moves fluidly between flute and saxophone, giving the record tonal variety even within a restrained structure.
Cons
Weak structural evolution
Many pieces drift rather than build, limiting tension and payoff.
Motifs lack strong anchors
Melodic ideas appear but rarely return with enough variation to become memorable structural elements.
Texture dominates narrative
The sound design is rich, but atmosphere often outweighs compositional development.
Genre: Spiritual Jazz
Country: UK
Final Verdict: 61% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 155th / 212
Highlight: Stand Firm
Made me think of:
Floating Points
Sun Ra
Kamasi Washington
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