What makes J. J. in Person! by J. J. Johnson notable?

J. J. in Person! is significant for its representation of live jazz during a pivotal time for the genre, illustrating the improvisational spirit that defines hard bop. The album received positive critical acclaim and helped solidify Johnson's status as a leading figure in jazz, influencing future trombonists and ensembles. Released in 1958, J. J. in Person! came after J. J. Johnson's rise as a prominent trombonist in the bebop and hard bop scenes. This album marked his first live recording, capturing the essence of his unique sound and technical prowess following several successful studio albums.

How many songs are on J. J. in Person!?

J. J. in Person! has 7 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

J. J. in Person!

J. J. Johnson · 1958

42 min · 7 tracks · jazz

Dynamic hard bop grooves intertwine with intricate improvisation, showcasing the vibrant energy of live jazz performance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Laura — This track features a hauntingly beautiful arrangement that showcases Johnson's lyrical trombone playing, making it a standout ballad on the album.
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What Is This Thing Called Love? — The interpretation of this standard highlights Johnson’s inventive approach to melody and rhythm, revealing his ability to infuse fresh ideas into familiar tunes.
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Now's the Time — A powerful rendition of a classic by Charlie Parker, this track exemplifies the tight ensemble playing and improvisational skill that characterizes the entire album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album captures the vibrant energy of live jazz with strong improvisation and solid performances.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections, with each track allowing for multiple solos from different instruments.
The first track, 'Tune Up', establishes a brisk tempo that is maintained throughout most of the album, creating an energetic atmosphere.
Several tracks transition smoothly into one another without pause, enhancing the live performance feel and continuity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
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.

Tracklist

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

1 Tune Up 5:40
2 Laura 4:57
3 Walkin' 6:51
4 What Is This Thing Called Love? 6:30
5 Misterioso 6:57
6 My Old Flame 3:45
7 Now's the Time 8:11

What to play next

Listen next

Really Livin'

1959

Go back to

Blue Trombone

1957

Full J. J. Johnson discography Artists like J. J. Johnson

bebop hard bop third stream

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata