What makes Ballads by Cobb by Arnett Cobb notable?

Ballads by Cobb is significant for its critical acclaim, often highlighting Cobb's rich tonal quality and emotive play. The album has been recognized by jazz enthusiasts and critics alike for its influence on subsequent generations of saxophonists, making it an essential listen in the evolution of jazz balladry. Released in 1960, Ballads by Cobb marked Arnett Cobb's transition into a more introspective phase of his career, following his earlier uptempo swing records. This album showcased his ability to convey emotion through slower tempos, solidifying his reputation as a masterful balladeer within the jazz genre.

How many songs are on Ballads by Cobb?

Ballads by Cobb has 7 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Ballads by Cobb

Arnett Cobb · 1960

33 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A lush tapestry of emotional ballads interwoven with Cobb's expressive saxophone, evoking deep longing and nostalgia.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Willow Weep for Me — This track encapsulates the album's emotional core, with Cobb's saxophone weaving through melancholy melodies that resonate deeply with listeners.
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P.S. I Love You — Cobb's interpretation brings a tender vulnerability to this classic, transforming it into a heartfelt declaration that lingers long after the final note.
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Why Try to Change Me Now — The slow tempo allows Cobb's nuanced phrasing to shine, emphasizing the song's themes of acceptance and personal authenticity in a powerful way.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodic writing and emotive performances, solidifying its place in jazz history.

What we noticed

The album maintains a slow to mid-tempo pace throughout, with no tracks exceeding a moderate tempo, creating a reflective mood.
Cobb's saxophone playing employs a wide range of dynamics, moving from soft, whisper-like tones to more powerful, expressive bursts within each piece.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Willow Weep for Me 7:14
2 Hurry Home 4:46
3 P.S. I Love You 5:07
4 Blue and Sentimental 5:21
5 Darn That Dream 4:47
6 Why Try to Change Me Now 2:49
7 Your Wonderful Love 3:17

What to play next

Listen next

Chittlin' Shout

1971

Go back to

Sizzlin'

1960

Full Arnett Cobb discography Artists like Arnett Cobb

jazz swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata