Part of the Search cover

Part of the Search

Yusef Lateef · 1974

38 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz and world music through rich textures and intricate rhythms that beckon listeners on a soulful journey.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    K.C. Shuffle Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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    Gettin Sentimental — This nearly ten-minute track highlights Lateef's ability to weave emotional depth with complex improvisation, showcasing both his saxophone prowess and compositional skills.
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    Strange Lullaby — The track features haunting melodies alongside intricate rhythms, creating an atmospheric soundscape that exemplifies Lateef's unique approach to jazz.
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    Lunceford Prance — A lively piece that captures the essence of Lateef's playful and experimental style, blending traditional jazz with unexpected rhythmic shifts.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with climaxes
  • short interludes break tension
  • engaging rhythms for focus
  • playful moments invite movement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek consistent tempo throughout

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Innovative fusion of jazz and world music contributed to wider recognition.
Themes
Eastern musical fusion· soulful improvisation· intricate rhythmic landscapes
Career context
Released in 1974, Part of the Search is Yusef Lateef's follow-up to his acclaimed album, The Blue Yusef Lateef. By this time, Lateef was recognized as a pioneering figure in integrating Eastern musical elements with jazz, solidifying his place in the genre's evolution.
Stylistic neighbors
Pharoah Sanders· Alice Coltrane· Don Cherry

Tracklist

  • 1 K.C. Shuffle Start here 3:54
  • 2 Oatsy Doatsy 0:38
  • 3 Souls Backery 2:27
  • 4 Lunceford Prance 3:25
  • 5 Rockhouse 3:40
  • 6 Oatsy Doatsy 0:15
  • 7 In the Still of the Night 3:35
  • 8 Superfine 3:24
  • 9 Strange Lullaby 4:14
  • 10 Big Bass Drum 2:59
  • 11 Gettin Sentimental 9:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata