Released 40 years ago
Beauty and the Beast
Mark Murphy · 1986
52 min · 10 tracks · jazz
An intricate blend of jazz standards and original compositions, showcasing Mark Murphy's distinctive vocal style and lyrical interpretation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Beauty and the Beast — The title track features a haunting melody that allows Murphy to explore emotional depth through improvisational phrasing, making it a centerpiece of the album.
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I Can't Get Started — Murphy's interpretation of this classic showcases his ability to infuse personal storytelling into well-known standards, revealing fresh perspectives on familiar themes.
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The Lady Who Sang the Blues — This track highlights Murphy's storytelling prowess as he channels the spirit of blues legends, blending jazz sensibilities with deep emotional resonance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Murphy's innovative phrasing and complex arrangements create a distinctive jazz vocal experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken word piece that transitions into a vocal rendition, setting a reflective tone.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections where the band engages in call-and-response patterns with Murphy's vocals.
- The final track is a slow ballad that contrasts sharply with the upbeat tempos of earlier songs, creating a dynamic shift.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 vocal interpretations
- intimate late-night gatherings
- rich emotional storytelling
- thoughtful moments of reflection
- soothing background for conversation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1986, Beauty and the Beast is Mark Murphy's follow-up to his acclaimed album, The Dreamer. At this point, he was solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in jazz, known for his innovative phrasing and eclectic choice of material.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Carmen McRae· Ella Fitzgerald· Sarah Vaughan
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Lady Who Sang the Blues
The narrative shifts from nostalgia to vivid imagery of a woman's struggles and triumphs in music.
This shift paints a powerful contrast between past and present, emphasizing the weight of legacy while celebrating resilience.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Poem: Beauty and the Beast 2:32
- 2 Beauty and the Beast 6:02
- 3 I Can't Get Started 6:28
- 4 Doxy 6:47
- 5 Memphis Blues 6:13
- 6 Effendi 4:44
- 7 The Lady Who Sang the Blues 5:32
- 8 Along Came Betty 4:47
- 9 Vocalise 3:37
- 10 Spring Friend 5:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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