Mark Murphy Sings Mostly Dorothy Fields & Cy Coleman
Mark Murphy · 1978
74 min · 25 tracks · jazz
Smooth jazz vocals intertwine with rich orchestration, bringing a vibrant freshness to classic standards.
Top tracks — play these first
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Witchcraft — Murphy's rendition of this classic showcases his ability to blend sultry phrasing with playful inflection, making it a highlight of the album.
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I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life — This track stands out for its emotional depth and humor, illustrating Murphy's skill in conveying complex feelings through jazz.
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Where Am I Going — The introspective lyrics paired with Murphy's heartfelt delivery create a poignant moment that encapsulates the overall themes of longing and reflection on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Murphy's interpretations breathe new life into classic standards, though the extensive tracklist affects cohesion.
What we noticed
- Several tracks include intricate vocal phrasing that interacts dynamically with the orchestration, creating a conversational feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
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
- playful charm in every track
- short bursts of lyrical wit
- for intimate gatherings
- nostalgic reflections on romance
- joyful melodies with emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, sprawling albums
- seek high-energy dance tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1978, Mark Murphy was an established figure in the jazz vocal scene, known for his unique interpretations. This album marks a transition into more sophisticated arrangements while showcasing his ability to breathe new life into the works of Dorothy Fields and Cy Coleman, further solidifying his reputation as a leading jazz vocalist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Carmen McRae· Ella Fitzgerald· Sarah Vaughan
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life
The shift from playful banter to deeper vulnerability within the verses reveals unexpected layers of emotional complexity.
This juxtaposition not only emphasizes Murphy's vocal dexterity but also illustrates the nuanced storytelling present in jazz lyrics.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Don't Blame Me 2:52
- 2 Witchcraft 2:36
- 3 A Fine Romance 2:16
- 4 April Fooled Me 2:12
- 5 Seesaw 3:04
- 6 I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life 3:14
- 7 When In Rome 2:47
- 8 When Yesterday I Loved You 3:47
- 9 Where Am I Going 2:53
- 10 Walking Sad 3:57
- 11 Exactly Like You 1:57
- 12 Alone Too Long 3:20
- 13 On Second Thought 2:51
- 14 I Walk A Little Faster 2:12
- 15 Rules Of The Road 3:21
- 16 That's My Style 3:16
- 17 I'm In The Mood For Love 3:17
- 18 The Best Is Yet To Come 2:15
- 19 Real Live Girl 2:00
- 20 Remind Me 3:42
- 21 I Love My Wife 3:34
- 22 Sometime When You're Lonely 2:57
- 23 Doodlin' 3:58
- 24 I'm Way Ahead 4:14
- 25 Lovely To Look At 1:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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