Merry Olde Soul
Victor Feldman · 1961
40 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of jazz standards and original compositions infused with an infectious rhythm, showcasing Feldman's piano mastery.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
For Dancers Only — The opening track sets the tone with an upbeat tempo and playful melody, highlighting Feldman's energetic style and improvisational skills.
-
→
Come Sunday — This piece showcases Feldman's ability to convey deep emotion through a delicate arrangement, evoking spiritual reflections amidst joyful rhythms.
-
→
Bloke's Blues — Feldman’s interpretation on this track reveals his mastery of blues-inflected jazz, blending lyrical lines with intricate harmonies that resonate with authenticity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalFeldman's debut showcases strong compositions and skilled execution, though it doesn't fully stand out in the jazz genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brisk tempo on 'For Dancers Only', setting an energetic tone that persists through the first half.
- Feldman's piano leads the arrangements, often accompanied by a tight rhythm section that emphasizes syncopation and groove.
- Several tracks feature contrasting sections, such as 'Come Sunday', which shifts from a reflective mood to a more upbeat feel.
- The final track, 'Mosey On Down', gradually slows down, providing a relaxed conclusion to the album.
- 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
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
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
- vibrant energy for social gatherings
- intricate melodies for attentive listeners
- sophisticated rhythms for dance enthusiasts
- uplifting vibes for cheerful moments
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- fans of minimalistic soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1961, Merry Olde Soul was Victor Feldman's debut album as a bandleader after establishing himself as a sought-after sideman in the jazz scene. This album marked a pivotal moment in his career, transitioning from collaborative performances to taking center stage and showcasing his unique sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bill Evans· Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 For Dancers Only 4:44
- 2 Lisa 4:06
- 3 Serenity 4:38
- 4 You Make Feel So Young 5:18
- 5 Come Sunday 2:17
- 6 The Man I Love 6:27
- 7 Bloke's Blues 5:35
- 8 I Want To Be Wanted 3:45
- 9 Mosey On Down 3:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.