Jazz Waltz
Les McCann · 1963
31 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of jazz and rhythm and blues, featuring intricate melodies and dynamic harmonies across a variety of tempos.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Spanish Castles Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
-
→
Blues for Yna Yna — This track highlights McCann's soulful piano style, blending bluesy riffs with a gentle swing that sets the emotional tone for the album.
-
→
Jazz Waltz — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its playful yet sophisticated waltz rhythm, showcasing McCann's improvisational flair.
-
→
A Little 3/4 for God & Co. — This piece demonstrates McCann's ability to merge spiritual themes with jazz structures, creating an uplifting atmosphere that resonates deeply.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate melodies and dynamic harmonies, blending jazz with rhythm and blues effectively.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the piano and horns, creating a dynamic interplay.
- The tempo varies significantly across the record, with pieces like 'Bluesette' maintaining a relaxed groove while others like 'Big City' are more upbeat.
- 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
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- steady melodic explorations throughout
- inviting danceable rhythms emerge
- soulful moments for relaxation
- short bursts of lively energy
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long, sprawling compositions
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album showcases McCann's innovative style, contributing to his rising prominence in jazz.
- Themes
- soulful piano reflections· spiritual jazz explorations· playful waltz rhythms
- Career context
- By 1963, Les McCann was establishing himself as a notable figure in the jazz scene following his breakthrough with 'Les McCann Plays the Shout.' 'Jazz Waltz' is his first collaboration with The Jazz Crusaders, marking a significant step in his artistic evolution as he embraced more complex arrangements and diverse influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ramsey Lewis· Horace Silver· Joe Sample
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Blues for Yna Yna
Transition into an evocative bridge that introduces a contrasting tempo change, elevating the emotional intensity before returning to the main theme.
This structural shift enhances the narrative arc of the song, making it feel both spontaneous and carefully crafted.
Tracklist
- 1 Spanish Castles Start here 2:24
- 2 Blues for Yna Yna 3:08
- 3 Damascus 4:09
- 4 A Little 3/4 for God & Co. 3:24
- 5 Bluesette 2:25
- 6 Big City 2:35
- 7 This Here 2:59
- 8 Jitterbug Waltz 3:42
- 9 All Blues 4:12
- 10 Jazz Waltz 2:45
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.