What makes Out of the Blue by Alison Brown notable?

The album received critical acclaim, with particular praise for its innovative blend of genres and instrumental prowess. It charted on the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, showcasing Brown's influence on the contemporary bluegrass and acoustic music scenes. Out of the Blue marked Alison Brown's significant evolution as a solo artist after her departure from the band Alison Brown Quartet. Released in 1998, it was her second studio album and solidified her reputation in the acoustic music scene, following her acclaimed debut, Simple Pleasures, in 1995.

How many songs are on Out of the Blue?

Out of the Blue has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Out of the Blue

Alison Brown · 1998

41 min · 10 tracks · blues

A vibrant fusion of bluegrass, jazz, and folk that showcases virtuosic instrumentation and intricate melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Out of the Blue — The title track introduces listeners to Brown's unique sound with its intricate banjo work and engaging melodies, setting the tone for the entire album.
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Four for Launch — This track highlights Brown's technical skill and creativity through its complex arrangements and lively tempo, exemplifying her ability to merge traditional bluegrass with modern influences.
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Samba Del Sol — With its rhythmic flair and Latin influences, this track represents a bold step in genre exploration and showcases Brown's versatility as a musician.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate melodies and strong instrumental performances but lacks some cohesion in pacing.

What we noticed

Instrumental solos are prominent throughout, with each musician taking turns to showcase their skills, especially in 'Samba Del Sol'.
The final track concludes with a gradual deceleration, allowing the album to end on a reflective note.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Out of the Blue 5:47
2 Dantes' Paradise 3:37
3 Coast Walk 4:01
4 Four for Launch 3:13
5 Road to Corossol 4:48
6 Mood Ring 5:12
7 Samba Del Sol 3:40
8 Sands of Sound 3:59
9 Return to Pelican Bay 3:48
10 Rebel's Bolero 2:56

What to play next

Listen next

Fair Weather

2000

Go back to

Quartet

1996

Full Alison Brown discography Artists like Alison Brown

blues jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata