What makes Funky Butt by Arnett Cobb notable?

Funky Butt showcases Cobb's enduring influence in the jazz genre, particularly during the revival of interest in swing music during the late 20th century. The album features timeless standards that have been pivotal in shaping jazz interpretations, earning it recognition among enthusiasts and critics alike, reflected in its favorable reviews from various music outlets. Released in 1981, Funky Butt represents a significant moment in Arnett Cobb's career, marking his return to recording after a period of relative obscurity. By this point, Cobb had established himself as a talented saxophonist known for his energetic style and strong presence in the jazz scene, particularly after his earlier successes in the 1940s and 1950s.

How many songs are on Funky Butt?

Funky Butt has 8 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Funky Butt

Arnett Cobb · 1981

43 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of swinging melodies and intricate improvisations capturing the essence of classic jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Jumpin' at the Woodside — This track exemplifies Cobb's lively saxophone work, with its infectious rhythm and playful energy making it a staple in jazz repertoire.
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Georgia on My Mind — Cobb's rendition infuses the classic with soulful depth, showcasing his ability to blend emotion with technical skill in a beloved standard.
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Funky Butt — The title track embodies the album's spirit, featuring catchy hooks and an upbeat tempo that invites listeners to engage and dance along.

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 combines strong melodies with skilled improvisation, maintaining a cohesive swing feel throughout.

What we noticed

Each track is built around a central melody, often revisited after extended solos, creating a familiar structure throughout the record.
The last two tracks feature slower tempos that provide a contrast to the more upbeat pieces earlier in the album.

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: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Jumpin' at the Woodside 4:31
2 Satin Doll 5:58
3 Georgia on My Mind 4:08
4 Funky Butt 5:50
5 I Got Rhythm 6:28
6 September in the Rain 5:54
7 Isfahan 6:14
8 Radium Spring Swings 4:50

What to play next

Listen next

Arnett Cobb Live

1983

Go back to

Arnett Cobb Is Back

1978

Full Arnett Cobb discography Artists like Arnett Cobb

jazz swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata