What makes Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith by Rahsaan Roland Kirk notable?

The album is notable for its critical reception, with many praising Kirk's inventive style and emotional depth. It solidified his reputation as an innovator of jazz, influencing subsequent generations of musicians. The track 'Alfie,' in particular, has become a standard covered by numerous artists, highlighting its lasting impact on the genre. Released in 1967, Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith marked Rahsaan Roland Kirk's emergence as a prominent figure in jazz. This album followed his earlier work, demonstrating a maturation in his sound and a commitment to innovative arrangements that allowed for greater expression and exploration. By this point, Kirk was gaining recognition not only for his musicianship but also for his unique persona and activism within the jazz community.

Who is Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith for?

Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith works well if you're into short bursts of lively energy, soulful melodies for reflection and virtuosic improvisation delights listeners.

How many songs are on Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith?

Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith has 8 tracks, running approximately 31 minutes.

Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith

Rahsaan Roland Kirk · 1967

31 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of hard bop and swing, showcasing Kirk's virtuosic multi-instrumentalism and soulful improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Now Please Don’t You Cry, Beautiful Edith — This title track encapsulates the album's emotional core with its rich melodies and heartfelt expression, showcasing Kirk's ability to blend beauty with complexity.
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Alfie — Kirk’s rendition transforms the familiar tune into a soulful exploration, adding layers of depth through his signature improvisational flair.
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Blue Rol — Opening the album, this track sets a vibrant tone with intricate rhythms and powerful saxophone work that exemplifies Kirk's prowess and creativity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Kirk's innovative use of multiple instruments and improvisation creates a distinctive sound that stands out in jazz.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

short bursts of lively energy
soulful melodies for reflection
virtuosic improvisation delights listeners
playful rhythms for casual vibes

Maybe skip if you

seekers of lengthy epics
prefer straightforward, predictable structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1967, Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith marked Rahsaan Roland Kirk's emergence as a prominent figure in jazz. This album followed his earlier work, demonstrating a maturation in his sound and a commitment to innovative arrangements that allowed for greater expression and exploration. By this point, Kirk was gaining recognition not only for his musicianship but also for his unique persona and activism within the jazz community.
Stylistic neighbors: Charles Mingus· Sun Ra· Ornette Coleman