Bittersweet cover

Bittersweet

Mark Isham · 2009

52 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A lush exploration of jazz standards, blending emotive melodies with rich instrumental textures and a sense of nostalgia.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    My One and Only Love — This track highlights Isham's ability to convey deep emotion through melodic phrasing, making it a standout opener that sets the tone for the album.
  • →
    In a Sentimental Mood — Isham's arrangement turns this classic into a reflective journey, showcasing his skillful improvisation and the interplay between instruments.
  • →
    Lush Life — This rendition captures the complexity of heartbreak with delicate harmonies, allowing Isham's trumpet voice to shine in a poignant expression of longing.

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

Isham's lush arrangements and thematic development create an engaging yet familiar exploration of jazz standards.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of lush string arrangements that complement the lead instruments, creating a rich sonic landscape.
  • The tempo varies across tracks, but several maintain a relaxed pace, allowing for extended improvisation and emotional expression.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • steady melodic journeys
  • introspective late-night vibes
  • emotive and reflective moods
  • immersive background listening

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2009, Mark Isham was already an established composer and musician, known for his work in film scoring and jazz. 'Bittersweet' was released after his acclaimed album 'Film Music', showcasing his continued evolution as an artist blending traditional jazz with contemporary influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Pat Metheny· Tord Gustavsen· Brian Eno

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Every Time We Say Goodbye

    The moment shifts from a wistful tone to a more hopeful one as it approaches the climax of the song.

    This transition embodies the tension between loss and hope, enriching the emotional landscape of the piece.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 My One and Only Love 4:31
  • 2 Skylark 4:12
  • 3 In a Sentimental Mood 4:58
  • 4 Don't Get Around Much Anymore 4:25
  • 5 In My Solitude 4:32
  • 6 Night and Day 5:07
  • 7 I Wanna Be Loved 6:50
  • 8 Easy Living 4:18
  • 9 Lush Life 4:20
  • 10 Do It Again 4:15
  • 11 Every Time We Say Goodbye 5:13

What to play next

Romance
Listen next

Romance

2011
Pure
Go back to

Pure

2006
Full Mark Isham discography Artists like Mark Isham
jazz fusion

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata