What makes A Sure Thing by Blue Mitchell notable?

This album is notable for its critical acclaim within the jazz community and helped solidify Mitchell's reputation as a leading trumpeter of his era. It features compositions that became standards in the jazz repertoire, influencing subsequent generations of musicians who embraced the hard bop style. Released in 1962, A Sure Thing was Blue Mitchell's third studio album, following his breakthrough with Blue’s Moods in 1961. By this time, he had established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, known for his work with influential artists like Horace Silver and Art Blakey.

Who is A Sure Thing for?

A Sure Thing works well if you're into intricate improvisation that rewards attention, evening ambiance with smooth melodies and captivating trumpet solos throughout.

How many songs are on A Sure Thing?

A Sure Thing has 7 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

A Sure Thing

Blue Mitchell · 1962

35 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A blend of cool jazz and intricate improvisation, showcasing Blue Mitchell's lyrical trumpet style against a backdrop of sophisticated arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Sure Thing — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its sophisticated melody and rhythmic complexity, highlighting Mitchell's emotive trumpet playing.
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West Coast Blues — This track showcases a laid-back groove that blends cool jazz elements with vibrant improvisation, illustrating Mitchell's versatility as a trumpeter.
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Gone With the Wind — This rendition transforms the classic ballad into a showcase for Mitchell's lyrical phrasing, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known standard.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album balances intricate compositions with skilled performances, making it a solid entry in Mitchell's discography.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of intricate trumpet melodies that are often complemented by lush, layered arrangements from the accompanying musicians.
Each track showcases a different tempo and mood, with some pieces like 'Hootie Blues' emphasizing a laid-back groove while others like 'Gone With the Wind' explore more complex improvisational sectio…
The running time of the album is just over 30 minutes, allowing for a concise exploration of themes without overstaying its welcome.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 that rewards attention
evening ambiance with smooth melodies
captivating trumpet solos throughout

Maybe skip if you

prefer high-energy dance tracks
want immediate, catchy hooks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1962, A Sure Thing was Blue Mitchell's third studio album, following his breakthrough with Blue’s Moods in 1961. By this time, he had established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, known for his work with influential artists like Horace Silver and Art Blakey.
Stylistic neighbors: Lee Morgan· Donald Byrd· Art Farmer

Tracklist

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

1 West Coast Blues 5:40
2 I Can't Get Started With You 3:48
3 Blue on Blue 4:48
4 A Sure Thing 4:34
5 Hootie Blues 5:24
6 Hip to It 5:00
7 Gone With the Wind 5:57

What to play next

Listen next

The Cup Bearers

1962

Go back to

Smooth as the Wind

1961

Full Blue Mitchell discography Artists like Blue Mitchell

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata