A Walkin' Thing cover

A Walkin' Thing

Shirley Scott · 1992

53 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of soulful melodies and intricate jazz rhythms that showcases Shirley Scott's prowess on the organ.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    A Walkin' Thing — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its captivating groove and showcases Scott’s improvisational skill over extended motifs.
  • →
    When a Man Loves a Woman — Scott's rendition transforms this classic into a soulful jazz exploration, blending emotional depth with her signature organ style, making it a standout moment on the record.
  • →
    D.T. Blues — This track highlights Scott’s ability to merge traditional blues with jazz elements, offering a rich texture that demonstrates her mastery of the instrument.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Scott's organ work shines through varied tempos and arrangements, balancing originals and covers effectively.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of the organ as the lead instrument, with intricate solos that showcase Scott's technical skill.
  • Each track varies in tempo and mood, with several pieces transitioning smoothly from upbeat rhythms to more reflective melodies.
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
6/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • How Am I to Know

    The poignant section where the music shifts from a hopeful tone to one of uncertainty and longing deepens the emotional impact.

    The contrasting musical dynamics reflect the lyrical themes of doubt and yearning, enhancing the overall narrative of vulnerability.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Carnival 4:07
  • 2 D.T. Blues 6:06
  • 3 A Walkin' Thing 10:43
  • 4 When a Man Loves a Woman 3:51
  • 5 What Makes Harold Sing 4:12
  • 6 Shades of Bu 6:51
  • 7 How Am I to Know 8:36
  • 8 Remember 9:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata