Peg Leg cover

Peg Leg

Ron Carter · 1978

38 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of intricate rhythms and lush melodies, inviting listeners into a sophisticated post-bop landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Peg Leg — The title track stands out for its complex rhythmic structure and showcases Carter's unique approach to melody and harmony, setting the tone for the album.
  • →
    Sheila's Song (Hasta luego, mi amiga) — This piece features lyrical improvisation that highlights Carter's ability to weave emotional narratives through intricate bass lines, creating a captivating listening experience.
  • →
    Epistrophy — A reinterpretation of Thelonious Monk’s classic, this track demonstrates Carter's skill in reviving jazz standards with fresh perspectives, rich in texture and rhythm.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

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

The album blends intricate rhythms with lush melodies, showcasing strong composition and craft in a cohesive manner.

What we noticed

  • Each track showcases a different instrumental combination, allowing for varied textures and dynamics throughout the record.
  • The melodies often intertwine between the bass and piano, creating a dialogue rather than a hierarchy of instruments.
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 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • steady melodic exploration
  • fluid rhythmic engagement
  • thoughtful listening experience
  • intricate bass-driven grooves

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced tracks
  • prefer standalone hits

Where this album fits

Career context
When Ron Carter released 'Peg Leg' in 1978, he was already an established bassist known for his work with Miles Davis and various jazz luminaries. This album followed his acclaimed effort 'Spanish Blue' from 1977, showcasing his growth as a bandleader and composer while further solidifying his prominence in the jazz scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Charles Mingus· Jimmy Garrison· Dave Holland

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Peg Leg 8:05
  • 2 Sheila's Song (Hasta luego, mi amiga) 6:15
  • 3 Chapter XI 5:44
  • 4 Epistrophy 6:06
  • 5 My Ship 5:14
  • 6 Patchouli 7:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata