What makes Matador by Grant Green notable?

Matador stands out as an essential contribution to the jazz genre, reflecting the era's growing interest in fusion styles. It received critical acclaim, particularly for its innovative arrangements and Green's virtuosic guitar playing, solidifying his reputation as one of the greats of jazz guitar. Released in 1979, Matador was part of Grant Green's later career, following his return to Blue Note after a decade-long hiatus from recording. This album marked a significant creative comeback for Green, showcasing his ability to blend jazz with world music influences while remaining rooted in traditional jazz forms.

Matador works well if you're into steady pacing for relaxed listening, cinematic atmosphere for daydreaming and soulful melodies for introspection.

How many songs are on Matador?

Matador has 5 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Matador

Grant Green · 1979

51 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and Latin rhythms, driven by Green's expressive guitar work and intricate arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Matador — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit with its complex rhythms and Green's dynamic solos, setting the tone for the entire record.
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My Favorite Things — Green's interpretation of this classic is notable for its unique arrangement that blends traditional jazz elements with a lively Latin groove.
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Bedouin — This track showcases Green's ability to seamlessly incorporate Middle Eastern melodic influences into a jazz framework, highlighting his versatility as a musician.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Matador blends jazz and Latin influences with strong guitar work, making it a notable entry in Green's discography.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a prominent guitar melody layered over complex percussion, establishing its Latin jazz fusion style.
Each track showcases Green's guitar work through extended solos, often accompanied by brass and woodwind arrangements that add depth to the sound.
The final two tracks shift in tempo, with 'Wives and Lovers' introducing a slower, more contemplative feel compared to the energetic opening pieces.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for relaxed listening
cinematic atmosphere for daydreaming
soulful melodies for introspection
gradual development with satisfying resolution

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, upbeat tracks
want instant gratification from music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1979, Matador was part of Grant Green's later career, following his return to Blue Note after a decade-long hiatus from recording. This album marked a significant creative comeback for Green, showcasing his ability to blend jazz with world music influences while remaining rooted in traditional jazz forms.
Stylistic neighbors: George Benson· Kenny Burrell· Jimmy Ponder

Tracklist

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

1 Matador 10:51
2 My Favorite Things 10:23
3 Green Jeans 9:10
4 Bedouin 11:41
5 Wives and Lovers 9:00

What to play next

Listen next

Gooden's Corner

1980

Go back to

Solid

1979

Full Grant Green discography Artists like Grant Green

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata