I'll Give You Something to Remember Me By
John Hicks · 1987
51 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of improvisation unfolds, blending intricate melodies with a deep emotional resonance that defines jazz's expressive potential.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hold It Down Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Monk's Mood — This track pays homage to Thelonious Monk, showcasing Hicks's ability to interpret complex emotions through subtle phrasing and rhythm. The serene yet poignant atmosphere captures the essence of Monk's influence while highlighting Hicks's distinctive touch on piano.
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Airegin — Hicks infuses this classic tune with fresh energy, emphasizing intricate harmonies and lively improvisation that breathe new life into the piece. His dynamic interplay with the other musicians demonstrates his skill as both a performer and an arranger.
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Blue in Green — This interpretation of the Bill Evans composition reveals a haunting beauty through its delicate melodies and reflective improvisations. Hicks’s approach offers listeners a chance to experience profound emotional depth within a familiar standard, reinforcing his artistry.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends intricate melodies with improvisation, showcasing Hicks' skill as a pianist and bandleader.
What we noticed
- Each track showcases extended improvisation, allowing the musicians to explore themes and motifs in depth.
- The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down to create a more contemplative atmosphere.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady flow with emotional depth
- heartfelt improvisation throughout tracks
- rich tapestry of intricate melodies
- ideal for reflective listening sessions
Maybe skip if you
- seeks instant gratification
- prefers upbeat party energy
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped Hicks gain recognition as a respected jazz pianist.
- Career context
- By the time 'I'll Give You Something to Remember Me By' was released in 1987, John Hicks had established himself as a respected pianist within the jazz community, having previously collaborated with notable artists like Betty Carter and Pharoah Sanders. This album marked an important moment in his career as it showcased his unique voice and compositional style, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in jazz after years of supporting roles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- McCoy Tyner· Chick Corea· Ahmad Jamal
Tracklist
- 1 Hold It Down Start here 7:16
- 2 Pas de Trois 8:51
- 3 Monk's Mood 2:53
- 4 I Didn't Know What Time It Was 4:35
- 5 Airegin 6:04
- 6 My Foolish Heart 5:18
- 7 Blue in Green 5:01
- 8 Coral Keys 4:41
- 9 Ted's Delight 7:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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