What makes At Newport by Don Elliott notable?

The album is notable for its live recordings from the prestigious Newport Jazz Festival, which helped solidify Elliott's reputation in the jazz community. Critics praised the album for its energetic arrangements and captivating performances, contributing to the overall legacy of the Newport Jazz Festival as a platform for emerging talents. Released in 1957, 'At Newport' captures Don Elliott during a formative phase of his career, showcasing his innovative approach to jazz. This album followed Elliott's early work as a sideman and marked his emergence as a bandleader, highlighting his unique style that combined vocals with diverse instrumentation.

At Newport

Don Elliott · 1957

9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz standards infused with lively improvisation and a dynamic ensemble performance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Taking A Chance On Love — This opening track sets the tone with its upbeat tempo and showcases Elliott's vocal prowess alongside intricate instrumental arrangements.
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Flamingo — Elliott's interpretation brings a fresh perspective to this classic, blending smooth vocals with a delicate balance of melody and rhythm.
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'S Wonderful — The playful arrangement and Elliott's charismatic delivery highlight the joyful essence of jazz standards, making it a standout moment on the album.

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 highlights strong improvisation and ensemble interaction, characteristic of live jazz performances.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of call-and-response between the trumpet and the ensemble, creating a dynamic interplay throughout.
Each track showcases extended improvisational sections, allowing soloists to explore themes while maintaining cohesion with the ensemble.
The live recording captures the energy of the performance, with audience reactions integrated into the flow of the music.

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 3/10

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.

'S Wonderful

A section shifts from a mellow verse to an exuberant chorus, celebrating romance through vivid imagery.

This contrast enhances the thematic depth of joy and longing while demonstrating Elliott's skillful phrasing.

Tracklist

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

1 Taking A Chance On Love
2 There'll Never Be Another You
3 I'll Remember April
4 I Never Knew
5 Flamingo
6 Windmill Blues
7 Dancing In The Dark
8 I Love You
9 'S Wonderful

What to play next

Go back to

The Voice of Marty Bell – The Quartet of Don Elliott

1956

Full Don Elliott discography Artists like Don Elliott

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata