Concierto cover

Concierto

Jim Hall · 1975

65 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A harmonious blend of cool jazz and classical influences, showcasing intricate guitar work and sweeping orchestral arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Concierto de Aranjuez — This 19-minute centerpiece stands out for its lush orchestration and nuanced guitar solos, demonstrating Hall's unique approach to blending genres.
  • →
    You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To — The opening track combines melodic improvisation with a relaxed swing, perfectly illustrating Hall's cool jazz style.
  • →
    Two's Blues — This track showcases Hall's ability to create intimate dialogue within the duo format, allowing for intricate exchanges between guitar and bass.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and classical elements with intricate guitar work, though it lacks strong cohesion due to alternate takes.

What we noticed

  • The album features a prominent orchestral arrangement that complements Hall's guitar work, particularly in 'Concierto de Aranjuez'.
  • Tracks like 'Two's Blues' and 'Rock Skippin'' showcase intricate guitar solos that are interwoven with rhythmic backing from the ensemble.
  • The first three tracks establish a mid-tempo groove, while 'Concierto de Aranjuez' shifts to a more expansive, classical-inspired structure.
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
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

  • lush orchestral arrangements throughout
  • patient exploration of melodies
  • intimate late-night listening experience
  • subtle variations in alternate takes

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
  • seek immediate gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
When Jim Hall released 'Concierto' in 1975, he was already an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his innovative guitar style. This album came after his critically acclaimed work with musicians like Bill Evans and showcased his ability to merge jazz with classical elements, particularly through the title track's interpretation of Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjuez'.
Stylistic neighbors
Bill Evans· Pat Metheny· John Abercrombie
New to Jim Hall? Find your way in →

Tracklist

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

  • 1 You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To 7:07
  • 2 Two's Blues 3:51
  • 3 The Answer Is Yes 7:39
  • 4 Concierto de Aranjuez 19:18
  • 5 Rock Skippin' 6:12
  • 6 Unfinished Business 2:38
  • 7 You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To (alternate take) 7:29
  • 8 The Answer Is Yes (alternate take) 5:36
  • 9 Rock Skippin' (alternate take) 6:03

What to play next

Commitment
Listen next

Commitment

1976
Where Would I Be?
Go back to

Where Would I Be?

1972
Full Jim Hall discography Where to start with Jim Hall Artists like Jim Hall
cool jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata