What makes Irvin Mayfield by Irvin Mayfield notable?

This album is significant for its critical reception, helping to establish Mayfield as a leading voice in modern jazz. It received acclaim for its innovative approach to Afro-Cuban jazz, influencing a new generation of musicians and contributing to the revival of interest in this genre during the late 1990s. Irvin Mayfield's self-titled debut album was released in 1998 when he was emerging as a prominent figure in the jazz scene. This album marked his transition from a talented trumpeter to a recognized bandleader, showcasing his unique style that blends traditional New Orleans jazz with Afro-Cuban influences.

How many songs are on Irvin Mayfield?

Irvin Mayfield has 9 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

Irvin Mayfield

Irvin Mayfield · 1998

60 min · 9 tracks · Afro-Cuban jazz

A vibrant fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms and contemporary jazz that blurs genre lines with intricate improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Great M.D. — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its intricate arrangements and showcases Mayfield's virtuosic trumpet work against a backdrop of complex rhythms.
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Right Here, Right Now — The song blends contemporary jazz elements with an infectious groove, highlighting collaborative improvisation that captures the essence of live performance.
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Ninth Ward Blues — This track is emblematic of Mayfield's ability to weave storytelling into his music, incorporating blues influences that reflect the cultural heritage of New Orleans.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz improvisation.

What we noticed

The album features intricate trumpet melodies that weave through complex Afro-Cuban rhythms, creating a dynamic interplay between instruments.
Several tracks incorporate extended improvisational sections, allowing musicians to explore themes and motifs in real-time.
The first half of the album maintains a brisk tempo, while the latter half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces that shift the mood.

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

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Ninth Ward Blues

The narrative shifts from personal reflection to broader commentary on community struggles, rooted in the cultural landscape of New Orleans.

By moving from introspective lyrics to communal themes, the song captures the duality of personal and cultural identity within the local context.

Tracklist

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

1 The Great M.D. 9:04
2 Right Here, Right Now 6:01
3 Body & Soul 6:33
4 Immaculate Conception 6:55
5 Midnight Theme 9:06
6 You're My Everything 5:42
7 Lascivious Intervention 8:50
8 Giant Steps 3:25
9 Ninth Ward Blues 4:53

What to play next

Listen next

Los Hombres Calientes, Vol. 1

1998

Full Irvin Mayfield discography Artists like Irvin Mayfield

Afro-Cuban jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata