In the Beginning cover

In the Beginning

Hubert Laws · 1974

63 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A fusion of jazz sensibilities with lush orchestral arrangements, creating a rich, meditative listening experience.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    In the Beginning — The title track introduces the album's thematic exploration through expansive melodies and intricate harmonies, exemplifying Laws' virtuosic flute work.
  • →
    Restoration — This track features a compelling interplay between flute and strings, highlighting Laws' capacity for emotional depth within sophisticated compositions.
  • →
    Moment's Notice — An interpretation of John Coltrane’s classic, this piece showcases Laws' improvisational skill and pays homage to jazz traditions while infusing his unique style.
  • →
    Mean Lene — Clocking in at over 15 minutes, this expansive composition allows for extended improvisation and showcases the full range of Laws’ musical artistry.

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 blends jazz with orchestral elements, showcasing strong arrangements and solid craftsmanship.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a slow build, layering strings and flute harmonies over a steady rhythm.
  • Several tracks incorporate classical motifs, such as the arrangement of 'Gymnopedie #1', which adapts Satie's piece into a jazz context.
  • The final track, 'Mean Lene', contrasts with earlier pieces by introducing a more upbeat tempo and intricate flute solos.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • lush soundscapes for deep listening
  • gradual build to emotive climax
  • reflective moments of improvisation
  • for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1974, 'In the Beginning' was Hubert Laws' fourth studio album and showcased his expansion into orchestral jazz. At this point in his career, Laws had already established himself as a prominent flutist following his breakthrough with 'The Laws of Jazz' in 1969. This album further solidified his reputation as a versatile musician capable of blending genres.
Stylistic neighbors
Bob James· George Benson· David Sanborn

Tracklist

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

  • 1 In the Beginning 6:56
  • 2 Restoration 9:02
  • 3 Gymnopedie #1 3:58
  • 4 Come Ye Disconsolate 5:23
  • 5 Airegin 5:34
  • 6 Moment's Notice 6:59
  • 7 Reconciliation 10:10
  • 8 Mean Lene 15:28

What to play next

Then There Was Light, Volume 2
Listen next

Then There Was Light, Volume 2

1974
Carnegie Hall
Go back to

Carnegie Hall

1973
Full Hubert Laws discography Artists like Hubert Laws
jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata