What makes More Soul by Hank Crawford notable?

The album helped define the soul jazz movement, contributing to its popularity in the early 1960s. It received critical acclaim for its innovative fusion of jazz improvisation with rhythm and blues influences, positioning Crawford as a notable figure in the genre. More Soul is Hank Crawford's debut album, released in 1960, marking the beginning of his significant contribution to the jazz and soul genres. At this time, Crawford was transitioning from being a session musician to a solo artist, establishing his unique voice and style.

Who is More Soul for?

More Soul works well if you're into smooth melodies for relaxed afternoons, expressive saxophone for emotional depth and soulful grooves that invite swaying.

How many songs are on More Soul?

More Soul has 7 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

More Soul

Hank Crawford · 1960

37 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of smooth jazz and soulful melodies that showcases Crawford's expressive saxophone artistry.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Boo's Tune — This opening track sets an energetic tone with its infectious groove and showcases Crawford's ability to blend technical skill with emotional expression.
→
Angel Eyes — The interpretation of this classic standard highlights Crawford's lyrical playing style, creating a melancholic atmosphere that resonates beautifully throughout the piece.
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Sister Sadie — This lively composition reveals Crawford's mastery of rhythm and improvisation, making it a standout moment that captures the essence of soul jazz.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and soul effectively, showcasing Crawford's saxophone while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms, particularly in the first three tracks, which creates a lively and engaging atmosphere.
Crawford's saxophone leads with improvisational flair, often accompanied by a tight rhythm section that emphasizes groove over complexity.

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: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

smooth melodies for relaxed afternoons
expressive saxophone for emotional depth
soulful grooves that invite swaying
engaging rhythms for intimate gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
seek short and punchy songs

Where this album fits

Career context: More Soul is Hank Crawford's debut album, released in 1960, marking the beginning of his significant contribution to the jazz and soul genres. At this time, Crawford was transitioning from being a session musician to a solo artist, establishing his unique voice and style.
Stylistic neighbors: David Sanborn· Maceo Parker· Eddie Harris

Tracklist

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

1 Boo's Tune 6:39
2 Angel Eyes 6:30
3 Four Five Six 5:06
4 The Story 4:40
5 Dat Dere 4:51
6 Misty 5:31
7 Sister Sadie 4:18

What to play next

Listen next

From the Heart

1962

Full Hank Crawford discography Artists like Hank Crawford

jazz soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata