What does Harlequin sound like?

A vibrant fusion of contemporary jazz and smooth melodies that evokes a breezy, sunlit afternoon. Rooted in jazz fusion and contemporary jazz. Start with "Harlequin (Arlequim desconhecido)".

Is Harlequin a good place to start with Dave Grusin?

Yes, Harlequin is recommended as a starting point for new Dave Grusin listeners. A vibrant fusion of contemporary jazz and smooth melodies that evokes a breezy, sunlit afternoon. Released in 1985, 'Harlequin' showcases Dave Grusin's evolution as a prominent figure in jazz fusion after his successful scores for films like 'The Milagro Beanfield War' in 1988. By this point, Grusin had established himself as a versatile composer and musician, blending various genres while maintaining a unique sound that appealed to both jazz enthusiasts and mainstream audiences.

Who is Harlequin for?

Harlequin works well if you're into steady mid-tempo grooves, playful rhythms for relaxation and sophisticated ambiance for gatherings.

How many songs are on Harlequin?

Harlequin has 9 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Harlequin

Dave Grusin · 1985

46 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of contemporary jazz and smooth melodies that evokes a breezy, sunlit afternoon.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Harlequin (Arlequim desconhecido) Start here — This title track sets a playful tone with its intricate rhythms and rich harmonic textures, encapsulating the album's essence of joy and sophistication.
→
Silent Message — With its lush arrangements and emotive melodies, this piece highlights Grusin's skill in creating atmospheric soundscapes that invite deep listening.
→
Beyond the Storm (Depois dos temporais) — This track features a captivating blend of rhythmic complexity and melodic fluidity, representing Grusin's artistic range and mastery of jazz fusion.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Grusin's 'Harlequin' blends intricate compositions with smooth jazz elements, maintaining a cohesive and engaging flow.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms and layered instrumentation, creating a rich tapestry of sound throughout its nine tracks.
Several tracks incorporate extended improvisational sections, allowing the musicians to explore melodic ideas in real time.
The opening track sets a relaxed, breezy tone that is maintained through smooth transitions between songs, with only slight variations in tempo.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 2/10

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

steady mid-tempo grooves
playful rhythms for relaxation
sophisticated ambiance for gatherings
engaging background for work

Maybe skip if you

seeking intense emotional highs
prefer fast-paced experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Showcases Grusin's evolution in jazz fusion, gaining wider recognition.
Career context: Released in 1985, 'Harlequin' showcases Dave Grusin's evolution as a prominent figure in jazz fusion after his successful scores for films like 'The Milagro Beanfield War' in 1988. By this point, Grusin had established himself as a versatile composer and musician, blending various genres while maintaining a unique sound that appealed to both jazz enthusiasts and mainstream audiences.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· Brad Mehldau