Bop for Miles cover

Bop for Miles

Mark Murphy · 2004

57 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz standards delivered with Mark Murphy's signature vocal bravado and intricate improvisation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    All Blues — Murphy's interpretation brings a unique vocal flair to this iconic modal jazz piece, showcasing his improvisational skills and emotional depth.
  • →
    Summertime — His rendition infuses this classic with a laid-back yet soulful vibe, demonstrating his ability to breathe new life into well-trodden material.
  • →
    Goodbye Pork Pie Hat — This track highlights Murphy's storytelling through music, as he navigates the song's emotional landscape with remarkable sensitivity and nuance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Murphy's vibrant interpretations of jazz standards showcase his vocal prowess and improvisational skills.

What we noticed

  • Murphy's interpretations often include unexpected rhythmic shifts and dynamic contrasts, particularly in the first half of the record.
  • Several tracks extend beyond typical lengths for jazz standards, allowing for more elaborate solos and vocal explorations.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • intricate vocal improvisations throughout
  • vibrant afternoon gathering energy
  • long-form explorations of classics
  • cathartic moments of musical expression

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek short, standalone pieces

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2004, Mark Murphy was in a late-career phase, having spent decades as a prominent figure in jazz. 'Bop for Miles' marked his return to the recording scene after several years, showcasing his enduring passion for reinterpreting classic jazz compositions.
Stylistic neighbors
Carmen McRae· Ella Fitzgerald· Sarah Vaughan

Tracklist

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

  • 1 All Blues 6:44
  • 2 Summertime 4:08
  • 3 Autumn Leaves 3:35
  • 4 Bye Bye Blackbird 6:03
  • 5 On Green Dolphin Street 7:22
  • 6 My Ship 3:10
  • 7 Farmer's Market 7:30
  • 8 Goodbye Pork Pie Hat 5:01
  • 9 Parker's Mood 5:48
  • 10 Milestones 5:25
  • 11 Miles 2:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata