12!
Sonny Stitt · 1973
40 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of bebop and hard bop, showcasing intricate solos over swinging rhythms and lush harmonies.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Got It Bad — This track exemplifies Stitt's lyrical style, blending emotional depth with technical precision in his saxophone performance. Its arrangement allows him to explore the nuances of the melody while engaging in complex improvisation.
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Every Tub — Stitt's energetic approach on this piece highlights his ability to navigate intricate rhythms while maintaining a playful spirit. The interplay between the instruments showcases a collective synergy that embodies the essence of live jazz performance.
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Blues At This Tempo — This track stands out for its soulful interpretation of blues, allowing Stitt to weave expressive phrases that resonate deeply. It demonstrates his mastery of tempo variations and dynamic contrasts, making it a pivotal moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalStitt's virtuosic improvisation shines through intricate compositions and solid craftsmanship, making it a notable jazz album.
What we noticed
- Each track features extended improvisational sections where Stitt's saxophone takes the lead, often accompanied by a tight rhythm section.
- Several tracks incorporate complex chord changes typical of bebop, allowing for intricate melodic development throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo groove
- saxophone-led vibrant improvisations
- engaging for focused listening
- for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced excitement
- seek quick, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time '12!' was released in 1973, Sonny Stitt was a seasoned jazz saxophonist with a career spanning over two decades. This album followed his notable work in the late 1960s and early 1970s, during which he had established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, contributing to the evolution of jazz styles while collaborating with numerous legendary musicians.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Charlie Parker· John Coltrane· Ornette Coleman
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Night Has A Thousand Eyes
The bridge shifts from a reflective tone to an assertive declaration about facing truths under the night sky.
This transition marks a pivotal shift in mood, emphasizing vulnerability before asserting strength, showcasing Stitt's storytelling through musical phrasing.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 12! 5:03
- 2 I Got It Bad 4:17
- 3 I Never Knew 6:42
- 4 Our Delight 5:31
- 5 The Night Has A Thousand Eyes 4:57
- 6 Blues At This Tempo 6:55
- 7 Every Tub 7:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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