Bridging a Gap cover

Bridging a Gap

Mark Murphy · 1973

36 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A smooth blend of jazz and pop that showcases Mark Murphy's dynamic vocal style and lush arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Come And Get Me — The opening track sets the tone with its infectious groove and showcases Murphy's ability to fuse storytelling with vibrant melodies.
  • →
    Sunday In New York — This track highlights Murphy's emotive phrasing and intricate vocal runs, capturing the essence of urban life with a soulful interpretation.
  • →
    As Time Goes By — Murphy transforms this classic standard into a deeply personal rendition, emphasizing his talent for reinvention and emotional expression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

56 /100
Foothills
Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and pop effectively, showcasing Murphy's vocal style but lacks strong cohesion in its flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brisk tempo on 'Come And Get Me' and maintains an upbeat feel through the first half before shifting to more reflective pieces.
  • The arrangements include lush strings and brass that complement the jazz instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape throughout the record.
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
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

  • intimate storytelling through vocals
  • melodic warmth for cozy evenings
  • easygoing tunes for relaxed moments
  • moments of wistful nostalgia
  • backdrop for casual gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
In 1973, Mark Murphy was evolving as a prominent figure in jazz, having gained recognition for his innovative vocal approach. 'Bridging a Gap' followed his previous album 'The Look of Love' from 1969, marking a continued exploration of contemporary themes within jazz.
Stylistic neighbors
Carmen McRae· Ella Fitzgerald· Sarah Vaughan

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Come And Get Me 3:37
  • 2 Sausalito 3:42
  • 3 She's Gone 2:50
  • 4 Steamroller 3:14
  • 5 We Could Be Flying 3:39
  • 6 Sunday In New York 5:08
  • 7 Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You 3:01
  • 8 No More 3:12
  • 9 As Time Goes By 3:01
  • 10 I'm Glad There Is You 5:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata