What makes Matador by Kenny Dorham notable?

'Matador' is notable for its critical reception, often praised for its sophisticated arrangements and Dorham's emotive playing. The album contributed to the hard bop movement, influencing a generation of jazz musicians who sought to blend intricate melodies with rhythmically engaging elements. Released in 1962, 'Matador' arrived during Kenny Dorham's peak as a jazz trumpeter, following his influential work on albums like 'Whistle Stop' (1961). This album reflects Dorham's established reputation as both a performer and a composer, showcasing his unique voice in the jazz landscape.

How many songs are on Matador?

Matador has 8 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Matador

Kenny Dorham · 1962

36 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of hard bop melodies intertwined with complex harmonies and vibrant improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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El Matador — The opening track sets the tone with its bold trumpet lines and intricate rhythms, establishing Dorham's signature style that blends technical prowess with emotional depth.
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Melanie-Part 1 — This track showcases a lyrical approach to improvisation, revealing Dorham's ability to weave personal storytelling into his solos through rich harmonic explorations.
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Smile — 'Smile' stands out for its captivating melody, allowing Dorham's trumpet to sing alongside an expressive arrangement that highlights his melodic sensibility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album features strong compositions and distinct improvisation while maintaining a cohesive flow across its varied tracks.

What we noticed

The album opens with a bold, energetic track that sets a high tempo, followed by three interconnected pieces titled 'Melanie' that explore varying dynamics and moods.
Each track features extensive improvisation, particularly from the trumpet, which showcases Dorham's technical skill and emotional expression.
The final three tracks introduce a softer, more contemplative tone, with 'Prelude' leading into a gentle rendition of 'Beautiful Love', creating a contrast to the earlier intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 El Matador 5:00
2 Melanie-Part 1 4:50
3 Melanie-Part 2 2:55
4 Melanie-Part 3 3:42
5 Smile 4:56
6 Beautiful Love 5:08
7 Prelude 4:45
8 There Goes My Heart 5:11

What to play next

Listen next

Inta Somethin'

1962

Go back to

Whistle Stop

1961

Full Kenny Dorham discography Artists like Kenny Dorham

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata