Charles III cover

Charles III

Charles Earland · 1973

40 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of soulful jazz and bebop intricacies, characterized by rich organ textures and dynamic improvisation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Charles III — The title track opens the album with an expansive arrangement that highlights Earland's virtuosic organ playing and sets the tone for the exploration of sound throughout the record.
  • →
    Girl, You Need a Change of Mind — This track features a captivating groove, blending rhythm and melody seamlessly while showcasing Earland's ability to fuse soulful vocals with instrumental prowess.
  • →
    My Favorite Things — Earland’s interpretation transforms this classic into a jazz standard filled with intricate harmonies and engaging improvisations, demonstrating his innovative approach to well-known compositions.

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

Charles III highlights Earland's organ mastery with engaging improvisation and solid arrangements.

What we noticed

  • Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo groove, with rhythmic variations that keep the listener engaged.
  • The final track introduces a faster tempo and more complex rhythms, creating a dynamic contrast to the preceding pieces.
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
6/10

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

  • dynamic improvisation with rich textures
  • soulful moments for reflective listening
  • invigorating energy for social gatherings
  • captivating grooves for dance enthusiasts

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1973, Charles III was Charles Earland's third studio album and marked a significant moment in his transition to becoming a prominent jazz organist. Following his earlier work, this album showcased Earland's unique ability to blend traditional jazz elements with contemporary influences, solidifying his style during a time when jazz was diversifying.
Stylistic neighbors
Jimmy Smith· Larry Young· Booker T. Jones

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Charles III 6:20
  • 2 Girl, You Need a Change of Mind 5:00
  • 3 Auburn Delight 8:35
  • 4 Lowdown 8:20
  • 5 My Favorite Things 6:00
  • 6 Speedball 5:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata