Kerouac, Then and Now
Mark Murphy · 1989
47 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of jazz standards intertwined with spoken word, echoing the Beat Generation's improvisational spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Medley: Eddie Jefferson / Take the "A" Train — This medley illustrates Murphy's mastery of blending storytelling with rhythm, offering a dynamic interplay that highlights his improvisational flair.
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If You Could See Me Now — The track showcases a delicate balance between heartfelt emotion and sophisticated melody, exemplifying Murphy’s unique vocal interpretation of jazz standards.
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Lazy Afternoon — In this song, Murphy's nuanced phrasing and subtle timing create an inviting atmosphere, revealing the intimate side of his artistry.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Murphy's innovative fusion of jazz and poetry creates a distinctive listening experience that reflects his artistic maturity.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate medleys, seamlessly transitioning between different pieces to create a continuous flow.
- The arrangement often emphasizes improvisation, allowing for spontaneous vocal and instrumental interactions that reflect the Beat Generation's ethos.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- improvisational flair and spontaneity
- vibrant late-night listening experience
- reflective moments of nostalgia
- engaging medleys with seamless transitions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, upbeat tracks
- seek straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1989, Mark Murphy was an established figure in jazz, known for his innovative vocal style. 'Kerouac, Then and Now' serves as a tribute to the Beat Generation, positioning itself as a reflection of both Murphy's artistic maturity and his deep connection to Jack Kerouac's literary legacy.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Carmen McRae· Ella Fitzgerald· Sarah Vaughan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Blood Count 4:59
- 2 Medley: Eddie Jefferson / Take the "A" Train 8:23
- 3 Ask Me Now 3:42
- 4 San Francisco 2:15
- 5 Lazy Afternoon 4:59
- 6 If You Could See Me Now 6:50
- 7 November in the Snow 5:04
- 8 Lord Buckley 3:16
- 9 Medley: The Night We Called It a Day / There's No You 7:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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