Of Course, of Course cover

Of Course, of Course

Charles Lloyd · 1965

56 min · 12 tracks · blues

A rich tapestry of jazz infused with blues, showcasing soulful melodies and intricate improvisations.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Of Course, Of Course — The title track introduces Lloyd's signature sound, combining fluid saxophone lines with a deep emotional resonance that sets the tone for the entire album.
  • →
    The Song My Lady Sings — This track highlights Lloyd’s ability to blend lyrical beauty with intricate melodies, showcasing his lyrical sensibility and mastery over phrasing.
  • →
    Goin' To Memphis — With its rhythmic groove and evocative storytelling, this track captures the essence of American musical traditions while reflecting Lloyd's innovative spirit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions with intricate improvisation, balancing emotional depth and distinct jazz-blues fusion.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a call-and-response structure between the saxophone and piano, establishing an interactive dynamic.
  • Several tracks include extended improvisational sections, particularly in 'Apex' and 'Goin' To Memphis', allowing musicians to explore themes deeply.
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
8/10

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

  • soulful improvisation for deep listening
  • melodic warmth for cozy evenings
  • reflective moments of serene calm
  • intimate setting for personal reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy dance tracks
  • prefer immediate gratification sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1965, 'Of Course, of Course' was Charles Lloyd's debut album as a bandleader after establishing himself as a sought-after sideman in the jazz scene. This album marked a significant step in his career, allowing him to showcase his unique voice on tenor saxophone and explore new musical territories.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Goin' To Memphis

    The narrative shifts from personal reflection to vivid imagery of the city, painting scenes filled with life and music.

    This transition enhances the song's emotional depth by connecting personal experiences to a broader cultural landscape.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Of Course, Of Course 4:45
  • 2 The Song My Lady Sings 2:28
  • 3 The Best Thing For You 5:18
  • 4 The Things We Did Last Summer 6:08
  • 5 Apex 3:59
  • 6 One For Joan 5:07
  • 7 Goin' To Memphis 3:38
  • 8 Voice In The Night 6:44
  • 9 Third Floor Richard 6:16
  • 10 East Of The Sun 4:54
  • 11 Island Blues 3:25
  • 12 Sundance 3:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata