A Night at Boomers, Vol. 1 cover

A Night at Boomers, Vol. 1

Cedar Walton · 1973

47 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of intricate jazz improvisation and heartfelt melodies, capturing the essence of live performance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Holy Land — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its complex harmonies and rhythmic intricacies, showcasing Walton's unique style.
  • →
    The Highest Mountain — Its emotional depth and lyrical piano lines highlight Walton's ability to blend technical skill with expressive playing, making it a standout piece.
  • →
    St. Thomas — Walton’s interpretation transforms this classic tune into a lively exploration of rhythm and melody, demonstrating his inventive approach to standard repertoire.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisation and composition, reflecting the vibrant jazz scene of its time.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisational sections, with each track allowing the musicians to explore themes and motifs in depth.
  • The first track opens with a complex piano solo that sets a sophisticated tone, followed by the ensemble joining in a call-and-response style.
  • Several tracks incorporate shifts in tempo and dynamics, creating an engaging ebb and flow throughout the performance.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • intricate improvisation with emotional depth
  • captivating live performance energy
  • reflective moments for late nights
  • soulful melodies that linger

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, upbeat tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1973, Cedar Walton was an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his work with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. 'A Night at Boomers, Vol. 1' marks his first live album, showcasing his prowess as both a pianist and bandleader during a period of artistic growth.
Stylistic neighbors
McCoy Tyner· Chick Corea· Bill Evans

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Holy Land 6:51
  • 2 This Guy's in Love With You 8:11
  • 3 Cheryl 8:41
  • 4 The Highest Mountain 6:22
  • 5 Down in Brazil 6:03
  • 6 St. Thomas 10:14
  • 7 Bleecker Street Theme 1:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata