Released 60 years ago
A Bag Full of Soul
Jimmy McGriff · 1966
33 min · 8 tracks · blues
Soulful grooves intertwine with bluesy undertones, driven by McGriff's dynamic organ playing and a tight rhythm section.
Top tracks — play these first
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D. B. Blues (Part I) — This track showcases McGriff's mastery of groove, with an infectious rhythm that invites listeners into the heart of soul jazz. Its intricate organ lines coupled with a steady beat exemplify the album’s vibrant sound.
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See See Rider — A classic blues standard reinterpreted through McGriff's soulful lens, this track highlights his ability to infuse traditional motifs with fresh energy and improvisation. Its compelling arrangement makes it a standout on the album.
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Hallelujah — As one of the shorter tracks on the album, Hallelujah packs an emotional punch with its rich harmonies and uplifting melodies. This piece encapsulates the essence of McGriff's style, blending joyfulness with technical prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, blending blues and jazz effectively.
What we noticed
- The album features extended tracks, with several pieces exceeding five minutes, allowing for improvisation and exploration.
- McGriff's organ takes the lead in most tracks, often accompanied by a prominent horn section that adds depth to the arrangements.
- The rhythm section maintains a steady groove throughout, creating a cohesive backdrop for the organ and horns to interact.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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 groove for social gatherings
- mid-tempo vibes for relaxed afternoons
- infectious rhythms that invite dancing
- soulful melodies for easy listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, high-energy tracks
- enjoy standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1966, A Bag Full of Soul marked Jimmy McGriff's emergence as a prominent figure in the soul jazz genre following his debut album, Open Up Your Door. At this point in his career, McGriff had begun to carve out a niche that blended traditional jazz elements with the more accessible sounds of soul music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jimmy Smith· Charles Earland· Reuben Wilson
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Cover The Waterfront 5:00
- 2 D. B. Blues (Part I) 6:18
- 3 D. B. Blues (Part II) 5:05
- 4 See See Rider 4:17
- 5 Red River Blues 3:26
- 6 Hallelujah 2:33
- 7 Boston Bust Out 3:14
- 8 On The Way Home 3:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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