Is Discovery a good place to start with Larry Carlton?

Yes, Discovery is recommended as a starting point for new Larry Carlton listeners. A lush blend of smooth jazz and pop-infused melodies, showcasing Carlton's virtuosic guitar work and sophisticated arrangements. Released in 1987, Discovery was Larry Carlton's sixth solo album and marked a significant moment in his transition from session musician to solo artist. Following his success with the group Fourplay, Carlton continued to establish his unique sound by blending elements of jazz with pop sensibilities, further solidifying his place in contemporary jazz.

Who is Discovery for?

Discovery works well if you're into steady melodic exploration throughout, soulful guitar-driven moments and vibrant grooves for relaxation.

How many songs are on Discovery?

Discovery has 9 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Discovery

Larry Carlton · 1987

43 min · 9 tracks · blues

A lush blend of smooth jazz and pop-infused melodies, showcasing Carlton's virtuosic guitar work and sophisticated arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hello Tomorrow Start here — This track opens the album with an upbeat tempo and showcases Carlton's signature guitar style, setting a hopeful tone for the collection.
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Minute by Minute — This song combines smooth vocal lines with intricate guitar solos, demonstrating Carlton's ability to seamlessly merge genres while appealing to a wider audience.
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March of the Jazz Angels — With its complex arrangement and dynamic shifts, this instrumental piece highlights Carlton's jazz roots and technical prowess, 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.

56 /100

Foothills

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong guitar work and smooth arrangements but lacks a cohesive flow across its tracks.

What we noticed

The album features intricate guitar solos that often take center stage, with the backing band providing lush harmonies and rhythmic support.
Several tracks incorporate smooth jazz elements, with a consistent use of soft percussion and synthesizers to create a laid-back atmosphere.
The track 'Minute by Minute' stands out as a vocal feature, contrasting with the predominantly instrumental nature of the other 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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

steady melodic exploration throughout
soulful guitar-driven moments
vibrant grooves for relaxation
for evening wind-down

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy excitement
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked a key transition for Carlton from session musician to solo artist.
Themes: smooth jazz fusion· pop-infused melodies· musical transition
Career context: Released in 1987, Discovery was Larry Carlton's sixth solo album and marked a significant moment in his transition from session musician to solo artist. Following his success with the group Fourplay, Carlton continued to establish his unique sound by blending elements of jazz with pop sensibilities, further solidifying his place in contemporary jazz.
Stylistic neighbors: Lee Ritenour· Robben Ford· Pat Metheny