Jazz Contemporary
Kenny Dorham · 1960
39 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of hard bop and lyrical improvisation that showcases Dorham's unique trumpet voice amidst rich harmonies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Monk's Mood — This track features intricate melodies intertwined with heartfelt improvisation, paying homage to Thelonious Monk while highlighting Dorham's expressive capabilities.
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In Your Own Sweet Way — The arrangement allows for stunning solo passages, demonstrating Dorham’s ability to balance lyrical beauty with technical prowess, making it a standout interpretation.
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Horn Salute — A lively composition that showcases the ensemble's synergy and Dorham's leadership, offering listeners an energetic exploration of rhythm and melody.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, making it a notable entry in the hard bop genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms and intricate melodic lines, particularly in the trumpet solos.
- Each track maintains a distinct mood while employing a similar harmonic language, creating a cohesive sound throughout.
- The interplay between the trumpet and piano is prominent, with frequent call-and-response sections that highlight improvisational skills.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- steady pacing for focused listening
- sublime melodies for reflective moments
- gradual development with satisfying resolutions
- intricate rhythms for attentive engagement
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1960, Jazz Contemporary was Kenny Dorham's first album on the prestigious Blue Note label. At this point in his career, Dorham had already established himself within the bebop scene, collaborating with legends like Thelonious Monk and Max Roach, yet he was still seeking wider recognition as a bandleader.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lee Morgan· Clifford Brown· Donald Byrd
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Waltz 5:27
- 2 Monk's Mood 8:01
- 3 In Your Own Sweet Way 7:54
- 4 Horn Salute 8:24
- 5 Tonica 2:54
- 6 This Love Of Mine 6:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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