I Remember Clifford cover

I Remember Clifford

Arturo Sandoval · 1992

62 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of Latin rhythms and jazz improvisation, showcasing virtuosic brass and intricate melodies throughout.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Remember Clifford — This track serves as the emotional centerpiece of the album, capturing the essence of tribute through its poignant melody and heartfelt arrangement.
  • →
    Daahoud — An upbeat opener that showcases Sandoval's technical prowess while blending intricate harmonies with lively rhythms, setting the tone for the album.
  • →
    Caravan — Sandoval infuses this classic with a Latin flair, providing a fresh take on a well-known standard while highlighting his dynamic trumpet style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate melodies with vibrant rhythms, showcasing Sandoval's virtuosic brass work.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of brass instruments, with trumpet solos prominently leading each track.
  • Each piece showcases complex improvisational sections that allow for extended solos, particularly in tracks like 'Cherokee' and 'Caravan'.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • virtuosic brass improvisation showcase
  • vibrant rhythms for celebration
  • dynamic interplay between musicians
  • melodic storytelling through instrumentation
  • uplifting energy for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
When Arturo Sandoval released I Remember Clifford in 1992, he was already an established figure in the jazz world following his emigration from Cuba. This album came shortly after his successful collaboration with Dizzy Gillespie and marked a deepening of his engagement with jazz standards, reflecting both his Cuban roots and American influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Paquito D'Rivera· Tito Puente

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Daahoud 4:59
  • 2 Joy Spring 5:42
  • 3 Parisian Thoroughfare 5:58
  • 4 Cherokee 5:09
  • 5 I Remember Clifford 4:12
  • 6 The Blues Walk 6:47
  • 7 Sandu 5:19
  • 8 I Get a Kick Out of You 5:13
  • 9 Jordu 8:27
  • 10 Caravan 4:28
  • 11 I Left This Space for You 5:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata