What makes For Sure! by Woody Shaw notable?

This album is significant for its critical acclaim, particularly for its innovative blend of traditional jazz with contemporary influences. It has been noted for its ambitious arrangements and strong improvisational elements, influencing later generations of jazz musicians seeking to expand the genre's boundaries. By the time 'For Sure!' was released in 1980, Woody Shaw was already an established figure in jazz, having gained recognition with his previous work like 'Rosewood' from 1978. This album followed a period of intense creative output, marking a shift toward more personal and politically charged compositions within his catalog.

Who is For Sure! for?

For Sure! works well if you're into intricate rhythms for attentive listeners, vibrant energy for social settings and cathartic trumpet solos throughout.

How many songs are on For Sure!?

For Sure! has 7 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

For Sure!

Woody Shaw · 1980

41 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of complex harmonies and intricate rhythms that showcases Shaw's virtuosic trumpet playing and compositional skill.

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Top tracks — play these first

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OPEC — This track stands out due to its sharp critique of geopolitics woven into a dynamic musical tapestry, blending complex rhythms with engaging melodies.
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Time Is Right — Featuring a compelling interplay between trumpet and piano, this track encapsulates Shaw's unique approach to melody and harmony while maintaining an infectious groove.
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Joshua C. — The extended length allows for expansive improvisational exploration, showcasing Shaw’s ability to push the boundaries of conventional jazz forms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases complex compositions and strong improvisation, making it a notable entry in Shaw's discography.

What we noticed

Each track varies significantly in tempo and mood, with some pieces featuring rapid shifts in rhythm that challenge the listener's expectations.
Improvisation plays a key role throughout, with extended solos that allow for exploration within the established themes of each composition.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
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

intricate rhythms for attentive listeners
vibrant energy for social settings
cathartic trumpet solos throughout
dynamic interplay between musicians

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, simple compositions
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'For Sure!' was released in 1980, Woody Shaw was already an established figure in jazz, having gained recognition with his previous work like 'Rosewood' from 1978. This album followed a period of intense creative output, marking a shift toward more personal and politically charged compositions within his catalog.
Stylistic neighbors: Freddie Hubbard· Arturo Sandoval· Donald Byrd

Tracklist

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

1 We'll Be Together Again 5:43
2 OPEC 5:22
3 Time Is Right 4:25
4 Ginseng People 5:28
5 Why? 4:47
6 Joshua C. 7:10
7 Isabel, the Liberator 8:25

What to play next

Listen next

United

1981

Go back to

The Iron Men

1980

Full Woody Shaw discography Artists like Woody Shaw

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata