What makes Jimmy Giuffre 3 by Jimmy Giuffre notable?

This album is notable for its subtle blend of free jazz elements with traditional melodies, offering a fresh perspective that influenced future improvisational artists. Critics praised it for its innovative arrangements and unique sound, solidifying Giuffre's reputation as a forward-thinking composer and performer. By the time 'Jimmy Giuffre 3' was released in 1957, Giuffre had established himself as an innovative figure in jazz, having previously contributed to the cool jazz movement. This album followed his groundbreaking work with smaller ensembles, highlighting his transition into more experimental territory that would define his later career.

How many songs are on Jimmy Giuffre 3?

Jimmy Giuffre 3 has 11 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Jimmy Giuffre 3

Jimmy Giuffre · 1957

47 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A delicate interplay of clarinet, guitar, and bass creates a nuanced exploration of melody and improvisation in jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Two Kinds Of Blues — This track exemplifies Giuffre's ability to merge structured form with spontaneous expression, showcasing both lyrical and rhythmic depth.
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Crawdad Suite — With its extended improvisation and intricate interplay between instruments, this piece encapsulates the adventurous spirit of the album.
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The Song Is You — Giuffre's interpretation transforms this standard into a contemplative exploration of melody, highlighting his unique approach to familiar material.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative arrangements and a unique sound that influenced future jazz improvisation.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent trio format with clarinet, guitar, and bass, allowing for intricate interplay and improvisation.
Several tracks utilize unconventional structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus forms in favor of free-flowing melodic exploration.
The tempo varies significantly across the tracks, with some pieces maintaining a slow, contemplative pace while others introduce more rhythmic complexity.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Crazy She Calls Me

The moment shifts from a lyrical lament to an introspective reflection on longing without ever naming the object of desire.

This choice creates an emotional distance that amplifies the sense of yearning throughout the track.

Tracklist

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

1 Gotta Dance 2:35
2 Two Kinds Of Blues 5:17
3 The Song Is You 3:58
4 Crazy She Calls Me 4:20
5 Voodoo 2:55
6 My All 4:14
7 That's The Way It Is 3:51
8 Crawdad Suite 7:14
9 The Train And The River 3:36
10 The Green Country (New England Mood) 3:03
11 Forty Second Street 6:16

What to play next

Listen next

The Music Man

1958

Go back to

The Jimmy Giuffre Clarinet

1956

Full Jimmy Giuffre discography Artists like Jimmy Giuffre

free jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata