License to Funk
Nils Landgren · 2007
63 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A vibrant mix of funk and jazz grooves, showcasing tight arrangements and infectious rhythms designed for the dance floor.
Top tracks — play these first
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House Party Start here — Opening with a catchy horn riff, this track sets the tone for the album’s upbeat vibe while inviting listeners to join the celebration.
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freak U — This track features playful call-and-response sections between instruments, highlighting Landgren's dynamic arrangement style and engaging interplay among musicians.
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Capetown Shuffle — With its intricate rhythms and melodic hooks, this piece exemplifies the seamless blend of jazz improvisation and funk grooves that defines the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album effectively blends jazz and funk with strong arrangements, though it remains within established genre boundaries.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms across all tracks, creating a danceable groove that persists throughout.
- Each track typically showcases multiple instrumental solos, particularly highlighting the trombone, which adds to the dynamic interplay among musicians.
- The arrangements often incorporate brass and percussion sections that punctuate the melodies, enhancing the funk influence within the jazz framework.
- 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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6/10
- 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
- dynamic groove journey for dancing
- celebratory vibes for social gatherings
- wave-like pacing with rhythmic shifts
- engaging soundscapes for active listening
- for lively party atmospheres
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quiet, introspective moments
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Landgren's fusion of jazz and funk, highlighting his artistic growth.
- Themes
- dance floor grooves· celebratory brass· Capetown rhythms
- Career context
- When 'License to Funk' was released in 2007, Nils Landgren was already an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his work as a trombonist and bandleader. This album followed his successful record 'Funky ABBA' and marked a continued exploration of funk-infused jazz, solidifying his reputation within the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Snarky Puppy· Trombone Shorty· The Bad Plus
Tracklist
- 1 House Party Start here 5:05
- 2 freak U 4:34
- 3 24Hours 4:30
- 4 Stuff Like That 5:39
- 5 Slowfoot 5:49
- 6 Capetown Shuffle 5:51
- 7 At Home 5:21
- 8 Secret 4:39
- 9 SampleRayT 5:40
- 10 For Those Who Like to Party 4:25
- 11 Brazos River Breakdown 5:10
- 12 Tomomis Tune 6:57
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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