Is Breakin' Out a good place to start with George Shearing?

Yes, Breakin' Out is recommended as a starting point for new George Shearing listeners. A sophisticated blend of cool jazz and bebop, featuring lush harmonies and intricate piano arrangements that invite deep listening. By the time 'Breakin' Out' was released in 1987, George Shearing was already a respected figure in jazz, known for his innovative blend of styles. This album marked a continuation of his legacy in the genre, coming after his successful works in the 1950s and 1960s and showcasing his enduring appeal as a pianist and composer.

Who is Breakin' Out for?

Breakin' Out works well if you're into steady flow with gradual peaks, for intimate gatherings and mellow vibes for reflective moments.

How many songs are on Breakin' Out?

Breakin' Out has 11 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Breakin' Out

George Shearing · 1987

54 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A sophisticated blend of cool jazz and bebop, featuring lush harmonies and intricate piano arrangements that invite deep listening.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me) Start here — This track opens the album with a playful yet intricate piano line that exemplifies Shearing's unique touch on standards, setting the tone for the entire record.
→
Hallucinations — The piece showcases Shearing's ability to weave complex melodies with rich harmonies, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that highlights his compositional skill.
→
Day Dream — A quintessential interpretation that combines smooth melodic lines with a relaxed tempo, reflecting the essence of cool jazz while displaying Shearing's mastery over mood.
→
Prelude to a Kiss — This rendition captures Shearing's romantic sensibility through delicate phrasing and emotive dynamics, making it a standout moment in his discography.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Shearing's blend of cool jazz and bebop showcases his intricate piano work and rich harmonies, appealing to jazz enthusiasts.

What we noticed

The album features intricate piano arrangements that often employ syncopation, creating a lively yet sophisticated feel.
The tempo varies significantly across the tracks, with some maintaining a steady groove while others explore more complex rhythms.

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: 6/10

Influence 3/10

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 flow with gradual peaks
for intimate gatherings
mellow vibes for reflective moments
smooth melodies for relaxed listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer instant gratification songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Notable for its critical reception, showcasing Shearing's signature style.
Career context: By the time 'Breakin' Out' was released in 1987, George Shearing was already a respected figure in jazz, known for his innovative blend of styles. This album marked a continuation of his legacy in the genre, coming after his successful works in the 1950s and 1960s and showcasing his enduring appeal as a pianist and composer.
Stylistic neighbors: Bill Evans· Dave Brubeck· Chet Baker