Living Black!
Charles Earland · 1971
55 min · 6 tracks · jazz
Dynamic grooves blend with soulful melodies, creating an electrifying live jazz experience that captures the essence of the early 70s.
Top tracks — play these first
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Killer Joe — This extended track features intricate solos and a captivating interplay between musicians, showcasing Earland's mastery of the Hammond organ within a lively arrangement.
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Message From a Black Man — A poignant cover that infuses social commentary with vibrant instrumentation, this track exemplifies Earland's ability to blend political messages with engaging music.
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Westbound #9 — This composition stands out with its infectious rhythm and catchy hooks, reflecting the transitional phase of jazz into funk while highlighting Earland's innovative approach.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's vibrant live energy and strong organ focus create a distinctive jazz experience that resonates well over time.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisations, with several tracks exceeding eight minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
- Each track showcases a prominent organ sound, often accompanied by a dynamic rhythm section that shifts between tight grooves and free-form sections.
- The live recording captures audience interaction, with applause and cheers punctuating the performance, enhancing the energy of the music.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 grooves for dancing
- soulful melodies for relaxation
- live energy for vibrant gatherings
- extended tracks for deep immersion
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, radio-friendly tracks
- seek minimalistic soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1971, Living Black! was Charles Earland's first live album, recorded during a period when he was gaining prominence in the jazz scene. Following his earlier studio work, this album showcased his energetic performance style and solidified his reputation as a leading organist in jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jimmy Smith· Larry Young· Booker T. Jones
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Key Club Cookout 9:43
- 2 Westbound #9 8:25
- 3 Killer Joe 14:31
- 4 Milestones 4:36
- 5 More Today Than Yesterday 8:26
- 6 Message From a Black Man 10:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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