Released 60 years ago
Down With It!
Blue Mitchell · 1966
41 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of hard bop and soulful grooves that showcases Mitchell's trumpet prowess and the band’s cohesive energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hi-Heel Sneakers — This track opens the album with a lively rhythm and showcases Mitchell's ability to blend jazz with popular influences, making it a memorable introduction.
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March On Selma — A poignant piece reflecting the Civil Rights Movement, this track uses its rhythmic intensity to convey urgency and activism, highlighting the album's social relevance.
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Alone, Alone & Alone — This composition stands out for its introspective mood and intricate melodies, illustrating Mitchell's skill in conveying complex emotions through his trumpet.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, with varied tempos that enhance its appeal.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a lively track that sets a brisk tempo, maintaining an upbeat energy through the first three songs.
- Each track features extended solos, particularly highlighting Mitchell's trumpet, which often leads into intricate interplay with the rhythm section.
- The final two tracks introduce slower tempos and more reflective moods, creating a contrast that alters the overall flow of the album.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- vibrant grooves for social settings
- soulful moments of reflective energy
- patient builds with rich textures
- engaging rhythms for dance parties
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, punchy tracks
- seek constant high-energy pace
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1966, Down With It! was Blue Mitchell's third studio album, following his breakthrough with The Thing to Do in 1964. By this time, Mitchell had solidified his place in the jazz scene, collaborating with notable artists and expanding his sound. This album represents a continuation of his artistic evolution as he began to incorporate more nuanced compositions and social commentary into his work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lee Morgan· Donald Byrd· Art Farmer
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hi-Heel Sneakers 8:23
- 2 Perception 5:41
- 3 Alone, Alone & Alone 7:45
- 4 March On Selma 6:15
- 5 One Shirt 7:30
- 6 Samba De Stacy 5:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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