Is On Solid Ground a good place to start with Larry Carlton?

Yes, On Solid Ground is recommended as a starting point for new Larry Carlton listeners. A fusion of smooth jazz and blues, characterized by intricate guitar work and lush arrangements that evoke a tranquil yet vibrant atmosphere. By the time 'On Solid Ground' was released in 1989, Larry Carlton had already established himself as a prominent session guitarist and solo artist. This album followed his successful collaboration on the Grammy-winning 'Last Nite' and showcased his versatility in blending jazz with rock and pop elements, solidifying his reputation within the contemporary jazz scene.

Who is On Solid Ground for?

On Solid Ground works well if you're into laid-back grooves for relaxation, smooth transitions between tracks and steady melodic exploration throughout.

How many songs are on On Solid Ground?

On Solid Ground has 10 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

On Solid Ground

Larry Carlton · 1989

54 min · 10 tracks · blues

A fusion of smooth jazz and blues, characterized by intricate guitar work and lush arrangements that evoke a tranquil yet vibrant atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Josie Start here — This opening track features a catchy melody underscored by Carlton's signature guitar style, setting a vibrant tone for the entire album.
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All in Good Time — A longer piece that showcases complex rhythms and harmonies, highlighting Carlton’s ability to weave intricate guitar solos into rich musical tapestries.
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Layla — Carlton’s interpretation of this classic infuses it with new life, demonstrating his emotive playing and skillful arrangement that resonates with both jazz and rock audiences.
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Honey Samba — This track combines infectious grooves with Caribbean influences, exemplifying Carlton's knack for blending genres seamlessly while delivering captivating melodies.
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Chapter II — The song features a reflective mood and intricate guitar phrasing, showcasing Carlton's lyrical approach to instrumental storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends smooth jazz and blues with intricate guitar work, showcasing strong musicianship but lacks a cohesive narrative.

What we noticed

The album features intricate guitar solos that often take center stage, with the backing instruments providing a lush harmonic foundation.
Tracks like 'Layla' and 'Honey Samba' showcase varied tempos, with some pieces maintaining a steady groove while others explore more fluid, improvisational structures.
Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for dynamic interplay between the guitar and other instruments, enhancing the overall texture.

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: 5/10

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

laid-back grooves for relaxation
smooth transitions between tracks
steady melodic exploration throughout
ideal for afternoon unwinding

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer instant gratification music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases Carlton's sophisticated compositions and musicianship, marking a high point in his career.
Themes: smooth jazz landscapes· Caribbean groove fusion· intricate guitar tapestries
Career context: By the time 'On Solid Ground' was released in 1989, Larry Carlton had already established himself as a prominent session guitarist and solo artist. This album followed his successful collaboration on the Grammy-winning 'Last Nite' and showcased his versatility in blending jazz with rock and pop elements, solidifying his reputation within the contemporary jazz scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Lee Ritenour· Robben Ford· Pat Metheny

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

On Solid Ground

The bridge shifts into an unexpected minor key, creating a moment of tension before resolving back into the main theme.

This tonal shift adds emotional depth to the composition, illustrating Carlton’s ability to manipulate musical dynamics effectively.