Israel
Kai Winding · 1968
38 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of smooth jazz, blending lush arrangements with emotive brass solos that evoke a reflective ambiance.
Top tracks — play these first
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My Funny Valentine — This track stands out for its hauntingly beautiful arrangement, allowing Winding’s trombone to convey deep emotion through subtle nuances and phrasing.
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Israel — 'Israel' showcases Winding’s ability to merge complex harmonies with melodic simplicity, creating an evocative centerpiece for the album.
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St. James Infirmary — Winding's rendition transforms this traditional blues tune into a poignant reflection, highlighting the interplay between melancholy and hope in his playing.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends emotive brass solos with rich arrangements, creating a reflective jazz experience.
What we noticed
- Several tracks, such as 'My Funny Valentine' and 'Django', incorporate extended solos that allow for improvisation within the structured compositions.
- The pacing varies, with some tracks maintaining a steady tempo while others shift dynamics to create moments of tension and release.
- 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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6/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- melodic improvisation for relaxation
- evening wind-down ambiance
- nostalgic reflections on love
- intimate gatherings with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer fast-paced listening
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1968, 'Israel' marked Kai Winding's return to the forefront of jazz after his work with the notable trombone duo, Winding and J.J. Johnson. At this point in his career, Winding was transitioning from big band influences into a more personal and exploratory sound that showcased his unique style as a bandleader.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Trombone Shorty· Gerry Mulligan· Art Farmer
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 My Funny Valentine 4:23
- 2 Israel 5:22
- 3 Catherine’s Theme 5:14
- 4 Am I Blue / Sonnyboy 4:32
- 5 Never My Love 2:53
- 6 Saturday Night Is the Loneliest Night of the Week 2:52
- 7 St. James Infirmary 4:04
- 8 Django 4:52
- 9 Try to Remember 4:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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