Intensity
John Klemmer · 1973
42 min · 7 tracks · blues
A fusion of smooth jazz and blues, weaving intricate melodies with emotive saxophone improvisations.
Top tracks — play these first
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Prayer for John Coltrane — This brief yet poignant track captures Klemmer's deep respect for Coltrane, merging spiritual themes with a haunting melody that resonates throughout the album.
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Waltz for John Coltrane — The waltz structure showcases Klemmer's ability to blend complex rhythms with lyrical improvisation, reflecting on the impact Coltrane had on his musical journey.
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Last Summer's Spell — At over thirteen minutes, this epic track allows Klemmer to explore extended improvisation, demonstrating his mastery of the saxophone and emotional depth within the composition.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Klemmer's blend of smooth jazz and blues creates a distinctive sound, with strong improvisational elements throughout.
What we noticed
- The album features extended saxophone solos that often stretch beyond the typical song structure, allowing for improvisation to take center stage.
- Tracks like 'Prayer for John Coltrane' and 'Waltz for John Coltrane' incorporate homage elements, blending Klemmer's style with Coltrane's influence.
- The first half of the album maintains a smooth jazz feel, while the second half introduces more bluesy elements and varied tempos.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- emotive saxophone improvisations throughout
- patient unfolding of melodies
- introspective moments for reflection
- immersive listening for deep focus
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, danceable tracks
- prefer short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1973, Intensity marked John Klemmer's third album and solidified his transition from sideman to a leading voice in jazz. Following the success of his previous albums, this project showcased his growing artistry and distinctive sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Sanborn· Kenny G· George Howard
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Rapture of the Deep 9:20
- 2 Love Song to Katherine 4:02
- 3 Prayer for John Coltrane 1:46
- 4 Waltz for John Coltrane 5:09
- 5 (C'mon an') Play With Me 3:01
- 6 Sea of Passion 5:49
- 7 Last Summer's Spell 13:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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