Live at Maybeck Recital Hall, Volume Seven
John Hicks · 1991
55 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A contemplative jazz experience that intertwines classic standards with Hicks' expressive piano improvisations.
Top tracks — play these first
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Blue in Green Start here — Hicks’ interpretation reimagines this Miles Davis classic with delicate nuances that highlight both melancholy and beauty, showcasing his emotional depth.
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Blues for Maybeck Recital Hall — An original composition by Hicks, this track embodies the spirit of the venue and showcases his ability to blend personal expression with traditional blues elements.
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Duke Ellington's Sound of Love — Hicks pays homage to Ellington through intricate phrasing and rich harmonies, demonstrating his interpretive skill while honoring a jazz legend.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalHicks' improvisational skill shines in this live setting, creating a cohesive yet exploratory jazz experience.
What we noticed
- Several tracks are extended, allowing for intricate explorations of melody and harmony, particularly evident in 'Blue in Green' and 'Rhythm-A-Ning'.
- The performance maintains a contemplative mood throughout, with dynamic shifts that create tension and release without abrupt changes.
- 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
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
- intimate piano improvisation moments
- steady melodic exploration throughout
- for quiet evenings
- thoughtful background for reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved live recording showcasing Hicks' expressive improvisation in a unique setting.
- Career context
- In 1991, John Hicks was solidifying his reputation as a prominent jazz pianist and bandleader. 'Live at Maybeck Recital Hall, Volume Seven' is part of the esteemed Maybeck series, showcasing his artistry in a solo performance setting, following his collaborations with notable artists throughout the late 1980s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- McCoy Tyner· Chick Corea· Ahmad Jamal
Tracklist
- 1 Blue in Green Start here 5:45
- 2 All of You 4:58
- 3 After the Rain 5:36
- 4 Speak Low 4:58
- 5 Blues for Maybeck Recital Hall 4:34
- 6 Heroes 5:37
- 7 Rhythm-A-Ning 3:37
- 8 Duke Ellington's Sound of Love 7:58
- 9 Oblivion 3:35
- 10 Contemplation 5:30
- 11 Straighten Up and Fly Right 3:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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