What makes Last Year's Waltz by Steve Kuhn notable?

Last Year's Waltz is significant for its innovative fusion of jazz with elements of folk and country, which was not common in the early '80s jazz scene. The album received critical acclaim, including mentions in major publications like DownBeat, highlighting Kuhn's unique style and influence on subsequent jazz artists. Released in 1982, Last Year's Waltz marks Steve Kuhn's fifth album, showcasing his evolution as a jazz pianist after establishing his reputation in the late '60s. This album comes after notable works like Mostly Latin and displays his deepening exploration of lyrical themes and intricate arrangements.

Who is Last Year's Waltz for?

Last Year's Waltz works well if you're into wistful nostalgia in quiet moments, introspective reflections during solitude and thoughtful melodies for late evenings.

How many songs are on Last Year's Waltz?

Last Year's Waltz has 10 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Last Year's Waltz

Steve Kuhn · 1982

47 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A reflective blend of jazz and Americana, weaving intricate melodies with expressive piano improvisations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Last Year's Waltz — This title track encapsulates the album's theme of nostalgia through its haunting melody and reflective lyrics, making it a standout representation of Kuhn's artistry.
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The Drinking Song — With its upbeat tempo and clever lyrics, this track provides a lively contrast to the more somber pieces, showcasing Kuhn's versatility as a composer.
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I Remember You — This lengthy piece highlights Kuhn's emotive playing style, intertwining complex jazz harmonies with poignant storytelling that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz with Americana influences through intricate melodies and strong improvisation.

What we noticed

The album features extended piano solos that often explore variations on a single melodic theme, allowing for deep improvisation.
Several tracks incorporate elements of Americana, such as folk-like melodies and rhythms, which are woven into the jazz framework.

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

Influence 4/10

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

wistful nostalgia in quiet moments
introspective reflections during solitude
thoughtful melodies for late evenings
gentle pacing for relaxed listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat party atmosphere
prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1982, Last Year's Waltz marks Steve Kuhn's fifth album, showcasing his evolution as a jazz pianist after establishing his reputation in the late '60s. This album comes after notable works like Mostly Latin and displays his deepening exploration of lyrical themes and intricate arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors: Keith Jarrett· Bill Evans· Chick Corea

Tracklist

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

1 Turn to Gold 3:45
2 The Drinking Song 5:42
3 Last Year's Waltz 4:04
4 I Remember You 8:19
5 Mexico 5:02
6 The Fruit Fly 5:37
7 The Feeling Within 4:46
8 Medley: Old Folks / Well You Needn't 2:00
9 Confirmation 5:24
10 The City of Dallas 2:55

What to play next

Listen next

Mostly Ballads

1987

Go back to

An Interview With Steve Kuhn & Sheila Jordan

1980

Full Steve Kuhn discography Artists like Steve Kuhn

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata