New from the Big City
Les McCann · 1970
37 min · 9 tracks · jazz
Soulful jazz grooves meld with vibrant rhythms and expressive piano, capturing the essence of urban life in the early '70s.
Top tracks — play these first
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Gus Gus Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Big City — This title track encapsulates the vibrant energy of urban life, featuring captivating melodies and rhythmic piano that serve as a reflection of McCann's dynamic style.
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Steady Trompin' — With its infectious groove and lively instrumentation, this track highlights McCann's skillful piano work and showcases the essence of soul jazz during this era.
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Tenderly — A stunning reinterpretation, this track features lush harmonies and emotive piano lines, demonstrating McCann’s ability to infuse classic standards with fresh vibrancy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends jazz with rhythm and blues through strong piano melodies and engaging arrangements.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms across all tracks, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
- Each track prominently showcases McCann's expressive piano work, often leading the melodies while other instruments provide rhythmic support.
- The arrangements incorporate elements of rhythm and blues, evident in the groove-driven bass lines and brass sections that complement the piano.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- steady grooves for relaxed evenings
- soulful vibes for social gatherings
- headphone detail in lush instrumentation
- short tracks for easy enjoyment
- inviting rhythms for casual listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking intense musical complexity
- prefer immediate energetic gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped solidify McCann's reputation after Swiss Movement.
- Themes
- soulful jazz grooves· early '70s energy
- Career context
- By the release of New from the Big City, Les McCann had established himself as a prominent figure in jazz, following his successful album Swiss Movement in 1969. This album marked a pivotal moment as he explored more intricate arrangements and soul influences, solidifying his style during a period of artistic growth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ramsey Lewis· Horace Silver· Joe Sample
Tracklist
- 1 Gus Gus Start here 2:45
- 2 Big City 3:08
- 3 Come Back Baby 2:56
- 4 Steady Trompin' 4:35
- 5 Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home 4:45
- 6 The Girl From Ipanema 2:55
- 7 Tenderly 6:05
- 8 Beaux J. Poo Boo 8:10
- 9 Kathleen's Theme 2:40
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Merges jazz with funk and soul, highlighting vibrant rhythms and expressive arrangements of the era.
Sweetnighter
Weather Report
Features soulful grooves and intricate arrangements that echo urban life in the early '70s.
Pieces of a Man
Gil Scott-Heron
Blends jazz-infused soul with poignant lyricism, capturing the essence of urban experiences in the same period.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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