Tom Skinner Kaleidoscopic Visions
Tom Skinner's Kaleidoscopic Visions arrives as a collaborative suite that maps the drummer-bandleader's alliances across jazz, rock and global textures, and the record earns an 80/100 consensus score across 1 professional review. Critics single out the title track Kaleidoscopic Visions and the haunting Margaret Anne as standout moments where ensemble playing and guest turns coalesce into larger, cinematic gestures.
Across professional reviews, the critical consensus highlights ensemble interplay, musical breadth and a deliberate effort at bridging influences. Reviewers note how contributions from players such as Tom Herbert and Kareem Dayes amplify Skinner's vision, with tracks like There's Nothing To Be Scared Of, Auster and MHA filling out a palate that moves fluidly between intimate improvisation and rock-inflected drive. Critics consistently praise the record's collaborative spirit and the way textures merge rather than compete, making the best songs on Kaleidoscopic Visions feel like communal statements rather than solo showcases.
While available reviews are limited, the consensus suggests Kaleidoscopic Visions is a rewarding listen for those interested in ensemble-focused modern jazz that borrows freely from other traditions. For readers asking "is Kaleidoscopic Visions good," professional reviews point to its cohesive interplay and standout tracks as evidence that the album is worth exploring further.
Critics' Top Tracks
The standout songs that made critics take notice
Kaleidoscopic Visions
1 mention
"More than the earlier work, this set bridges most of Skinner's musical interests."— AllMusic
Margaret Anne
1 mention
Auster
1 mention
More than the earlier work, this set bridges most of Skinner's musical interests.
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
There's Nothing To Be Scared Of
Auster
Margaret Anne
Kaleidoscopic Visions
MHA
Still (Quiet)
The Maxim
Extensions 12
Logue
See How They Run
What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 1 critic who reviewed this album
Critic's Take
Skinner's Kaleidoscopic Visions often reads like a map of his alliances — the best songs, especially the title track "Kaleidoscopic Visions" and the haunting "Margaret Anne," show how he bridges jazz, rock and global textures. The record's strengths lie in ensemble interplay and guest turns, with players like Tom Herbert and Kareem Dayes helping make "Kaleidoscopic Visions" a centerpiece. If you search for the best tracks on Kaleidoscopic Visions, look to those moments where textures coalesce into something larger than the sum of its parts.
Key Points
-
The title track is best because it encapsulates Skinner's wide-ranging musical interests and ensemble strengths.
-
The album's core strengths are collaboration and the bridging of jazz, rock and global textures through strong ensemble playing.