More Than a Mood cover

More Than a Mood

Stanley Turrentine · 1992

55 min · 8 tracks · jazz

Soulful jazz saxophone melodies intertwine with lush harmonies, creating a deeply emotional and contemplative listening experience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Thomasville Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    They Can't Take That Away From Me — This track features a stunning interplay between Turrentine's saxophone and the accompanying ensemble, showcasing his lyrical style and emotional depth.
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    In a Sentimental Mood — Turrentine’s interpretation brings a unique warmth to this classic, transforming it into a heartfelt exploration of nostalgia and longing.
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    More Than a Mood — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its intricate melodies and sophisticated arrangements, emphasizing Turrentine's signature sound.

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 showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, though it remains within familiar jazz territory.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of lush harmonies that support the saxophone melodies, creating a rich sonic texture.
  • Each track maintains a relaxed tempo, with several pieces extending beyond five minutes, allowing for improvisation and exploration.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • steady pacing for relaxed moments
  • smooth melodies for evening unwind
  • intricate improvisation detail exploration
  • rich soundscapes for contemplative moods

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer standalone catchy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Showcases Turrentine's continued vitality after a brief hiatus.
Themes
soulful saxophone melodies· nostalgic longing· contemporary jazz fusion
Career context
In 1992, Stanley Turrentine was a respected figure in jazz, known for his rich tone and expressive playing. 'More Than a Mood' marked his return to the studio after a brief hiatus and showcased his ability to blend traditional jazz with contemporary influences, highlighting his adaptability over decades.

Tracklist

  • 1 Thomasville Start here 5:26
  • 2 They Can't Take That Away From Me 8:57
  • 3 In a Sentimental Mood 7:28
  • 4 Easy Walker 5:57
  • 5 Triste 5:45
  • 6 Pieces of Dreams 5:19
  • 7 Spirits Up Above 9:19
  • 8 More Than a Mood 6:58

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata