Released 40 years ago
Blues for Myself
Cedar Walton · 1986
41 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of jazz standards and original compositions, blending intricate piano work with emotive improvisation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Blues for Myself — The title track encapsulates Walton's unique ability to combine deep emotion with technical prowess, making it a centerpiece of the album.
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Without a Song — This cover showcases Walton's lyrical touch on the piano, elevating the standard through intricate harmonies and heartfelt expression.
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Sophisticated Lady — In this rendition, Walton emphasizes the song's melancholy through subtle phrasing and rich chord voicings, providing a fresh interpretation of Ellington’s classic.
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Book's Bossa — An original composition that highlights Walton's Brazilian influences, this track blends rhythmic complexity with melodic beauty, showcasing his versatility.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends traditional jazz standards with original pieces, showcasing strong piano work and improvisation.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a slow, contemplative piano introduction before transitioning into a more upbeat tempo.
- Each track showcases intricate piano solos that are often accompanied by subtle rhythmic support from the bass and drums.
- Several tracks incorporate extended improvisational sections, allowing for dynamic interaction between the musicians.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- introspective evening relaxation
- emotive improvisation for contemplation
- rich piano textures to savor
- short tracks for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy dance tracks
- prefer standalone anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1986, Blues for Myself is Cedar Walton's first album after a notable period of collaboration with jazz legends such as Art Blakey and Wayne Shorter. By this time, Walton had established himself as a significant figure in the jazz scene, showcasing his evolving style as a pianist and composer.
- Stylistic neighbors
- McCoy Tyner· Chick Corea· Bill Evans
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Blues for Myself 3:54
- 2 Without a Song 4:00
- 3 Sixth Avenue 3:51
- 4 Sophisticated Lady 3:30
- 5 Wonder Why 3:53
- 6 Little Darlin' 5:25
- 7 Let's Call This 3:10
- 8 Just in Time 5:11
- 9 Book's Bossa 5:21
- 10 Bridge Work 3:28
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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