Dexterity
58 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A graceful blend of intricate melodies and lush harmonies that showcases Shearing's sophisticated piano style.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dexterity Start here — The title track features intricate piano lines that embody Shearing's signature sound, illustrating both technical skill and emotive depth.
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You Must Believe in Spring — This track showcases lush harmonies and lyrical phrasing, highlighting Shearing's ability to balance complexity with accessibility.
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Duke Ellington Medley: Take the 'A' Train / In a Sentimental Mood / Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me) / Satin Doll / Cotton Tail — This medley demonstrates Shearing's reverence for jazz tradition while displaying his innovative arrangement techniques, making it a standout on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong arrangements and varied tempos but lacks significant cultural footprint.
What we noticed
- The last track is a medley that transitions smoothly between multiple themes, demonstrating cohesion in thematic material.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- gentle melodies for relaxed evenings
- thoughtful piano interludes for reflection
- warm soundscapes for intimate gatherings
- nostalgic tunes with rich emotion
Maybe skip if you
- seek high-energy, fast-paced music
- prefer modern, heavy production
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped establish Shearing's reputation in the jazz genre.
- Career context
- Released in 1961, Dexterity marked George Shearing's artistic peak during his prolific period in the jazz scene. Following his rise to fame with hits like 'Lullaby of Birdland', this album exemplified his transition towards a more complex and innovative approach to jazz arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bill Evans· Dave Brubeck· Chet Baker
Tracklist
- 1 Dexterity Start here 5:16
- 2 You Must Believe in Spring 7:53
- 3 Sakura Sakura (Cherry Blossom Nova) 5:13
- 4 Kojo No Tsuki 3:00
- 5 I Won't Dance 5:07
- 6 Long Ago and Far Away 5:03
- 7 Can't We Be Friends 3:08
- 8 As Long as I Live 4:19
- 9 Please Send Me Someone to Love 6:49
- 10 Duke Ellington Medley: Take the "A" Train / In a Sentimental Mood / Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me) / Satin Doll / Cotton Tail 7:21
- 11 Lullaby of Birdland 5:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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