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

J.J.! is notable for its contribution to the hard bop genre, influencing subsequent generations of jazz musicians. The album received critical acclaim upon release, particularly for tracks like Stolen Moments which became a standard in the jazz repertoire, helping solidify Johnson's reputation as a masterful composer and performer. Released in 1965, J.J.! was J. J. Johnson's first studio album for the Impulse! label after a decade of significant contributions to jazz. At this point in his career, he had already established himself as a leading trombonist and innovator but was seeking to redefine his sound and artistic direction after moving from earlier labels.

How many songs are on J.J.!?

J.J.! has 11 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

J.J.!

J. J. Johnson · 1965

54 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of bebop and hard bop that showcases intricate rhythms and soulful improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Stolen Moments — This track features an innovative structure that juxtaposes different time signatures, showcasing Johnson's prowess in blending melodic lines with complex rhythms.
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El Camino Real — Opening the album, this track establishes its vibrant energy and serves as a perfect introduction to Johnson's virtuosic trombone playing.
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Train Samba — With its infectious groove, this track highlights Johnson's ability to fuse traditional jazz elements with Latin rhythms, creating a unique listening experience.
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So What — A reinterpretation of Miles Davis's classic, Johnson's version brings fresh improvisational flair while paying homage to its modal origins.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and distinct improvisational styles characteristic of hard bop.

What we noticed

Improvisation is prominent, with solo sections that allow each musician to explore their instrument's capabilities within the hard bop framework.
The first half of the album maintains a lively tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces.

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: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 El Camino Real 4:09
2 Stolen Moments 5:51
3 Train Samba 6:48
4 Swing Spring 3:45
5 Bemsha Swing 3:11
6 My Little Suede Shoes 4:53
7 So What 4:22
8 Stratusphunk 6:46
9 Winter's Waif 5:05
10 Ally 5:43
11 Supplication 4:15

What to play next

Listen next

Goodies

1966

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Proof Positive

1964

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

bebop hard bop third stream

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata