Icons & Influences
George Cables · 2014
72 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A reflective and intricate exploration of jazz standards that honors the legacies of influential composers.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cedar Walton — This track captures Cables' ability to blend complex harmonies with lyrical improvisation, paying homage to the late Cedar Walton's influence on modern jazz.
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Come Sunday — In this rendition, Cables infuses spiritual depth into Ellington's classic, showcasing his interpretative skills and emotional resonance through rich chords.
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Nature Boy — Cables' interpretation of this classic highlights his unique touch and deep understanding of melody, breathing new life into a well-worn standard.
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Very Early — This piece exemplifies Cables’ deft touch with nuanced phrasing and rhythm, reflecting his mastery over contemporary interpretations of jazz standards.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalCables' interpretations blend technical skill with emotional depth, making this a solid yet familiar jazz tribute.
What we noticed
- Each track maintains a reflective tempo, with no sudden shifts in dynamics or pace, creating a consistent mood throughout.
- Several pieces incorporate subtle harmonic variations that pay homage to the original composers while adding Cables' personal touch.
- 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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7/10
- 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
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
- reflective late-night listening experience
- intricate melodies for deep focus
- emotional resonance with classic standards
- thoughtful engagement with each track
- cascading piano lines inviting introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party atmosphere
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2014, George Cables was an established figure in jazz, recognized for his prowess as both a pianist and composer. 'Icons & Influences' marked a significant moment in his discography, showcasing his interpretations of pieces by jazz legends after decades of contributing to the genre's evolution.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chick Corea· McCoy Tyner· Herbie Hancock
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Cedar Walton 4:37
- 2 Farewell Mulgrew 6:52
- 3 Happiness 6:27
- 4 The Duke 7:28
- 5 Come Sunday 7:08
- 6 Little B's Poem 6:39
- 7 Nature Boy 6:58
- 8 Very Early 6:31
- 9 Isotope 5:16
- 10 The Very Thought of You 6:35
- 11 Mo' Pan 5:36
- 12 Blue Heart 2:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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