Is Inc. 1 a good place to start with John Hicks?

Yes, Inc. 1 is recommended as a starting point for new John Hicks listeners. A sophisticated blend of intricate melodies and improvisational freedom that defines the essence of modern jazz. Released in 1985, Inc. 1 was John Hicks' debut album as a leader, following his work as a sideman for prominent artists like Max Roach and Pharoah Sanders. This album marked a significant step in his career, showcasing his unique voice and compositional skill within the jazz genre.

Inc. 1 works well if you're into steady mid-tempo listening experience, intricate melodies to savor and rich harmonies for reflective moments.

How many songs are on Inc. 1?

Inc. 1 has 7 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Inc. 1

John Hicks · 1985

46 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A sophisticated blend of intricate melodies and improvisational freedom that defines the essence of modern jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ruby My Dear Start here — This track opens with a hauntingly beautiful melody that showcases Hicks' lyrical playing style, drawing from Thelonious Monk's influence while adding a personal touch.
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Bookie Please — With its engaging rhythm and dynamic interplay between piano and bass, this composition highlights Hicks' ability to fuse structured melodies with spontaneous jazz energy.
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Round Midnight — Hicks’ interpretation of this classic standard reveals his deep understanding of jazz tradition, infusing it with emotional depth while maintaining a fresh perspective.

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 displays strong composition and craft, with notable improvisation but limited broader influence.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of complex chord progressions that shift subtly between tracks, creating a cohesive harmonic landscape.
Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to written melodies.
The tempo varies significantly across the seven tracks, with some pieces maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down for introspective moments.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

steady mid-tempo listening experience
intricate melodies to savor
rich harmonies for reflective moments
suitable for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Debut album establishing Hicks' reputation in contemporary jazz.
Career context: Released in 1985, Inc. 1 was John Hicks' debut album as a leader, following his work as a sideman for prominent artists like Max Roach and Pharoah Sanders. This album marked a significant step in his career, showcasing his unique voice and compositional skill within the jazz genre.
Stylistic neighbors: McCoy Tyner· Chick Corea· Ahmad Jamal