More Jazz Meets the Symphony cover

More Jazz Meets the Symphony

Lalo Schifrin · 1994

61 min · 8 tracks · classical music

A vibrant orchestral jazz fusion, blending complex arrangements with improvisational flair and rich melodic themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Sketches of Miles Start here — This opening track pays homage to Miles Davis through intricate orchestration and improvisation, setting a tone that intertwines jazz spontaneity with classical precision.
  • →
    Down Here on the Ground — Its lush harmonies and flowing melodies exemplify Schifrin's skill at blending jazz rhythms with orchestral textures, creating a captivating listening experience.
  • →
    Portrait of Louis Armstrong — This lengthy piece serves as a rich tribute to Armstrong, featuring vibrant brass sections that reflect his musical legacy while allowing for expansive improvisation.

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

The album blends jazz and orchestral elements effectively, showcasing strong compositions but with some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

  • The album features intricate orchestral arrangements that intertwine with jazz improvisation, creating a dynamic interplay between structured and freeform elements.
  • The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some pieces maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down to allow for more reflective moments.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • gradual build to a climax
  • immersive orchestral experience
  • reflective moments of elegance
  • captivating narratives through sound

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking quick, upbeat tracks
  • prefer standalone radio singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Highlights Schifrin's innovative fusion of jazz and classical, marking a significant artistic achievement.
Career context
By 1994, Lalo Schifrin was an established composer and musician known for his work in jazz and film scores. 'More Jazz Meets the Symphony' followed his successful ventures into orchestral music, showcasing his ability to bridge genres while continuing to evolve from his earlier works in the 1960s and 1970s.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· Dave Brubeck

Tracklist

  • 1 Sketches of Miles Start here 12:27
  • 2 Down Here on the Ground 6:02
  • 3 Chano 7:44
  • 4 Begin the Beguine 7:09
  • 5 Django 5:55
  • 6 Old Friends 4:51
  • 7 Madrigal 4:07
  • 8 Portrait of Louis Armstrong 13:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata