What makes Afternoon in Paris by John Lewis notable?

Afternoon in Paris is notable for its critical acclaim and contributions to the hard bop genre, often cited as a definitive example of jazz's evolution during the late 1950s. The album has been praised by critics for its melodic sophistication and cohesion, solidifying Lewis's reputation as both a performer and composer within the jazz community. Released in 1957, Afternoon in Paris was John Lewis's first album as a leader after his influential work with the Modern Jazz Quartet. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a key figure in the jazz scene, moving beyond ensemble work to showcase his unique compositional style and piano prowess.

How many songs are on Afternoon in Paris?

Afternoon in Paris has 6 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Afternoon in Paris

John Lewis · 1957

43 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A sophisticated blend of hard bop and lyrical jazz, capturing the essence of Parisian afternoons through intricate melodies and rich harmonies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Afternoon in Paris — This title track exemplifies the album's aesthetic, weaving together reflective melodies with intricate chord progressions that evoke the charm of its namesake city.
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I Cover the Waterfront — This interpretation features lush harmonies and a contemplative mood, showcasing Lewis's ability to transform standard repertoire into personal statements.
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Willow Weep for Me — Lewis's rendition imbues this classic with a sense of longing, highlighted by expressive improvisation that highlights his sensitivity and technical skill.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and a distinct sound that captures the essence of its time and place.

What we noticed

The album features intricate melodies that often shift between major and minor tonalities, creating a sophisticated harmonic landscape.
Each track typically employs a call-and-response structure, allowing different instruments to engage in dialogue throughout the pieces.
The tempo varies across tracks, with some maintaining a brisk pace while others adopt a more relaxed feel, reflecting the essence of Parisian afternoons.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Afternoon in Paris

The bridge section introduces an unexpected shift in tempo and harmony that contrasts with the preceding themes.

This shift not only enhances the song’s narrative arc but also showcases Lewis’s innovative approach to structure within jazz compositions.

Tracklist

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

1 I Cover the Waterfront 6:49
2 Dear Old Stockholm 6:05
3 Afternoon in Paris 9:21
4 All the Things You Are 5:14
5 Bags' Groove 6:10
6 Willow Weep for Me 9:32

What to play next

Listen next

The John Lewis Piano

1957

Go back to

Grand Encounter

1957

Full John Lewis discography Artists like John Lewis

hard bop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata