What makes Concerto Grosso in D Blues by Herbie Mann notable?

This album is significant for its innovative blend of jazz and classical music, making waves in the jazz fusion movement of the late 1960s. It has been praised for its ambitious structure, especially the title track, which runs over twenty-eight minutes and exemplifies Mann's ability to fuse diverse musical styles while maintaining accessibility. By the time of its release in 1969, Herbie Mann was already a notable figure in the jazz scene, having achieved recognition with his previous albums. 'Concerto Grosso in D Blues' represents a bold artistic evolution as it merges jazz improvisation with classical forms, showcasing Mann's versatility and willingness to experiment beyond traditional genre boundaries.

How many songs are on Concerto Grosso in D Blues?

Concerto Grosso in D Blues has 4 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Concerto Grosso in D Blues

Herbie Mann · 1969

50 min · 4 tracks · jazz

An ambitious fusion of jazz and classical, weaving intricate melodies through dynamic improvisation and world music influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Concerto Grosso in D Blues — The title track serves as the album's centerpiece, showcasing a lengthy orchestral arrangement that beautifully interlaces jazz improvisation with classical motifs, creating a unique listening experience.
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Wailing Wall — This track features a haunting melody that allows for profound emotional expression through Mann's flute work, encapsulating the album's thematic depth and musical exploration.
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Sense of No Return — With its rhythmic complexity and engaging harmonies, this track highlights Mann's adeptness at blending different genres while retaining a cohesive sound throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album combines jazz improvisation with orchestral depth, creating a unique sound within its genre.

What we noticed

Each track varies in tempo and mood, with 'Concerto Grosso in D Blues' opening with a slow build that transitions into more energetic sections.
The final track, 'My Little Ones', concludes with a gentle fade-out, contrasting the more intense earlier pieces.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a bold fusion of jazz and classical, deviating from Mann's established sound.
Themes: orchestral improvisation· world music influences
Career context: By the time of its release in 1969, Herbie Mann was already a notable figure in the jazz scene, having achieved recognition with his previous albums. 'Concerto Grosso in D Blues' represents a bold artistic evolution as it merges jazz improvisation with classical forms, showcasing Mann's versatility and willingness to experiment beyond traditional genre boundaries.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Stan Getz· Weather Report