As Long as There's Music cover

As Long as There's Music

Cedar Walton · 1993

58 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of lyrical improvisation and intricate harmonies showcases Cedar Walton's mastery of modern jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Meaning of the Blues — This track highlights Walton's ability to blend emotional depth with intricate piano arrangements, making it a quintessential example of his expressive style.
  • →
    Pannonica — A tribute to Thelonious Monk, this rendition showcases Walton's unique interpretation and harmonic sophistication, elevating the piece into a fresh context.
  • →
    As Long as There's Music — The title track encapsulates the album's theme, emphasizing the importance of music as a lifelong passion while featuring nuanced interplay among musicians.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Walton's mastery of jazz is evident through intricate compositions and smooth transitions, making this a solid entry in his discography.

What we noticed

  • Tracks often transition smoothly into one another, maintaining a cohesive flow that emphasizes the thematic connections between pieces.
  • Several compositions include extended solos that allow for deep exploration of melodic ideas, particularly in 'Pannonica' and 'Voices Deep Within'.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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
8/10

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 harmonies for deep listening
  • late-night reflective solitude
  • rich improvisation that invites attention
  • patient explorations of emotional depth

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1993, Cedar Walton was an established figure in jazz, celebrated for his work both as a solo artist and as a member of the Jazz Messengers. 'As Long as There's Music' marked a continuation of his prolific output during the 1990s, following his acclaimed album 'Firm Roots' released in 1991. This record further solidified his reputation as a composer and pianist deeply influenced by the jazz tradition.
Stylistic neighbors
McCoy Tyner· Chick Corea· Bill Evans

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Young and Foolish 6:01
  • 2 Meaning of the Blues 9:24
  • 3 I'm Not So Sure 6:01
  • 4 Ground Work 6:25
  • 5 Newest Blues 5:39
  • 6 Pannonica 8:57
  • 7 As Long as There's Music 6:27
  • 8 Voices Deep Within 9:37

What to play next

At Maybeck: Maybeck Recital Hall Series Volume Twenty-Five
Listen next

At Maybeck: Maybeck Recital Hall Series Volume Twenty-Five

1993
Off Minor
Go back to

Off Minor

1991
Full Cedar Walton discography Artists like Cedar Walton
jazz swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata