Is Let's Call This... Esteem a good place to start with Steve Lacy?

Yes, Let's Call This... Esteem is recommended as a starting point for new Steve Lacy listeners. A dynamic blend of intricate melodies and improvisational flair that showcases the depths of jazz innovation. Let's Call This... Esteem is Steve Lacy's debut album, released in 1993 when he was a rising figure in the jazz scene. At this point, Lacy had already established his reputation as a talented saxophonist and composer, known for his unique approach to jazz and his collaborations with prominent artists.

Who is Let's Call This... Esteem for?

Let's Call This... Esteem works well if you're into patient explorations of sound, evening relaxation with friends and thoughtful conversation backdrop.

How many songs are on Let's Call This... Esteem?

Let's Call This... Esteem has 10 tracks, running approximately 78 minutes.

Let's Call This... Esteem

Steve Lacy · 1993

78 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A dynamic blend of intricate melodies and improvisational flair that showcases the depths of jazz innovation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Introduction and Let’s Call This… Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its playful yet complex interplay between instruments, encapsulating Lacy's inventive style.
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In a Sentimental Mood — Lacy's interpretation of this classic standard highlights his emotive playing and ability to infuse new life into familiar melodies.
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Snake Out — The extended improvisation showcases Lacy's prowess as both a performer and composer, pushing the boundaries of jazz structure.
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Blues for Aida — This track features rich harmonic textures and demonstrates Lacy's skill in blending traditional blues elements with avant-garde influences.
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Esteem — The title track exemplifies Lacy's distinctive sound, combining intricate rhythm patterns with soulful melodies that resonate throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances but lacks a cohesive narrative throughout.

What we noticed

Several tracks, such as 'In a Sentimental Mood' and 'Epistrophy', utilize a call-and-response structure between instruments, enhancing the conversational feel.
The overall tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down to create contrast.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

patient explorations of sound
evening relaxation with friends
thoughtful conversation backdrop
reflective moments of solitude

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer concise, upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This debut album helped establish Lacy's reputation in the jazz scene.
Themes: jazz innovation· emotive improvisation· avant-garde blues
Career context: Let's Call This... Esteem is Steve Lacy's debut album, released in 1993 when he was a rising figure in the jazz scene. At this point, Lacy had already established his reputation as a talented saxophonist and composer, known for his unique approach to jazz and his collaborations with prominent artists.
Stylistic neighbors: Thundercat· Anderson .Paak· Mac Ayres