Manhattan Fever cover

Manhattan Fever

Frank Foster · 1968

41 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of swinging rhythms and intricate melodies that capture the essence of New York jazz in the late 1960s.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Manhattan Fever — This track encapsulates the album's essence with its lively tempo and intricate saxophone lines, reflecting the energy of urban life.
  • →
    Little Miss No Nose — Opening the album, this piece showcases Foster's dynamic playing style and sets a playful tone, making it an ideal introduction to his artistry.
  • →
    Seventh Avenue Bill — A lengthy exploration of melody and rhythm, this track demonstrates Foster's ability to weave complex musical narratives, highlighting his skill as both a player and composer.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Foster's debut blends vibrant rhythms and intricate arrangements, establishing his voice in jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms across all tracks, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
  • Each track showcases intricate horn arrangements, often layering saxophones with brass and woodwinds for depth.
  • The title track 'Manhattan Fever' employs a call-and-response structure between the lead saxophone and the ensemble, highlighting Foster's compositional style.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • vibrant energy for social gatherings
  • intricate melodies for attentive listening
  • dynamic rhythms that invite movement
  • mix of upbeat and reflective

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, quick tracks
  • seek minimalistic soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1968, Manhattan Fever is Frank Foster's debut album as a bandleader after establishing himself as a prominent tenor saxophonist with the Count Basie Orchestra. This album marked a significant transition in his career, showcasing his compositional prowess and distinctive sound separate from his previous work.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Little Miss No Nose 6:55
  • 2 Manhattan Fever 10:30
  • 3 Loneliness 2:55
  • 4 Stammpede 5:45
  • 5 You Gotta Be Kiddin' 3:27
  • 6 Seventh Avenue Bill 11:45

What to play next

The Loud Minority
Listen next

The Loud Minority

1972
Soul Outing!
Go back to

Soul Outing!

1966
Full Frank Foster discography Artists like Frank Foster
jazz swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata