What makes Breakthrough! by Cedar Walton notable?

Breakthrough! received critical acclaim and is often cited as a significant work in the post-bop genre, helping to elevate Walton's status in the jazz community. The album's inventive arrangements and interpretations of standards contributed to its lasting impact, influencing both contemporaries and future generations of jazz musicians. Released in 1972, Breakthrough! marked Cedar Walton's first album as a leader after spending years as an accomplished sideman for jazz greats like Art Blakey. This album solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, demonstrating his unique compositional style and virtuosic playing at a pivotal point in his career.

Who is Breakthrough! for?

Breakthrough! works well if you're into vibrant afternoon listening experience, patient exploration of melodies and engaging piano-led improvisations.

How many songs are on Breakthrough!?

Breakthrough! has 6 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Breakthrough!

Cedar Walton · 1972

43 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of post-bop intricacies and soulful melodies, showcasing Cedar Walton's exceptional piano prowess.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Breakthrough — The title track features intricate piano lines that highlight Walton's technical skill while embodying the album's overall adventurous spirit.
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Summertime — Walton's interpretation of this classic showcases his ability to infuse traditional jazz standards with fresh harmonic ideas and rhythmic complexity.
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Theme From Love Story — This track stands out for its lyrical improvisation, where Walton transforms a well-known theme into an expressive journey filled with nuance.

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

Walton's inventive arrangements and strong improvisation mark this as a notable post-bop record.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features intricate piano lines supported by a tight rhythm section, establishing a lively tempo.
Each of the six tracks showcases Walton's improvisational skills, with extended solos that highlight the interplay between piano and bass.
The arrangement of 'Summertime' incorporates unexpected harmonic shifts, giving it a fresh take on a well-known standard.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

vibrant afternoon listening experience
patient exploration of melodies
engaging piano-led improvisations
soulful moments for reflection

Maybe skip if you

prefer immediate musical gratification
seek fast-paced energetic tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1972, Breakthrough! marked Cedar Walton's first album as a leader after spending years as an accomplished sideman for jazz greats like Art Blakey. This album solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, demonstrating his unique compositional style and virtuosic playing at a pivotal point in his career.
Stylistic neighbors: McCoy Tyner· Chick Corea· Bill Evans

Tracklist

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

1 Breakthrough 10:38
2 Sabia 4:15
3 House on Maple Street 6:42
4 Theme From Love Story 6:13
5 Summertime 7:41
6 Early Morning Stroll 8:06

What to play next

Listen next

A Night at Boomers, Vol. 1

1973

Go back to

Soul Cycle

1970

Full Cedar Walton discography Artists like Cedar Walton

jazz swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata