Made by Maceo cover

Made by Maceo

Maceo Parker · 2003

47 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz and gospel infused with Maceo Parker's signature saxophone flair and rich, soulful grooves.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Come by and See — This opening track sets the tone with infectious rhythms and showcases Parker's distinctive saxophone style, inviting listeners into his musical world.
  • →
    Off the Hook — With its upbeat tempo and playful melodies, this track exemplifies Parker's ability to blend intricate horn arrangements with danceable grooves.
  • →
    Lady Luck — This extended piece highlights Parker's expressive playing and features rich harmonies that weave together jazz improvisation with soulful undertones.
  • →
    Moonlight in Vermont — Parker's interpretation transforms this classic into a captivating experience, showcasing his ability to infuse romanticism into instrumental jazz.

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

Maceo Parker's album blends jazz and gospel through strong saxophone leads and rhythmic complexity, though it lacks a cohesive narrative.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of saxophone as the lead instrument, with Parker's improvisational style dominating each track.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the saxophone and rhythm section, enhancing the gospel influence.
  • The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a steady groove while others explore more complex rhythms.
  • The last two tracks serve as variations on earlier themes, creating a sense of closure without introducing new material.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • infectious energy for celebrations
  • for group gatherings
  • upbeat tracks for dancing
  • vibrant grooves that uplift
  • soulful moments of joy

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of quiet introspection
  • prefer minimalist soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2003, Made by Maceo marked Maceo Parker's return to the forefront of the jazz scene after a lengthy career that included collaborations with legends like James Brown. This album came after his acclaimed work in the late 90s and showcased his continued evolution as an artist while reinforcing his reputation as a masterful performer.
Stylistic neighbors
Fred Wesley· James Brown· Herbie Hancock

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Come by and See 4:29
  • 2 Off the Hook 3:50
  • 3 Hats of to Harry 4:39
  • 4 Quick Step 4:01
  • 5 Those Girls 4:37
  • 6 Moonlight in Vermont 3:59
  • 7 Lady Luck 6:29
  • 8 Don't Say Goodnight 4:50
  • 9 Once You Get Started 4:16
  • 10 Those Girls 4:54
  • 11 Lady Luck (reprise) 1:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata