Playing the Field (Mark Murphy album)
Mark Murphy · 1960
32 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of jazz standards infused with Mark Murphy's distinctive vocal improvisation and playful phrasing.
Top tracks — play these first
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Put the Blame on Mame — This track exemplifies Murphy's playful vocal technique and ability to recontextualize familiar melodies with a fresh, upbeat interpretation.
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Swinging on a Star — Murphy's rendition transforms this classic into an engaging performance that highlights his dynamic range and rhythmic sensibility.
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But Not For Me — This track showcases a more introspective side of Murphy’s artistry, allowing listeners to appreciate his emotional depth and lyrical interpretation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Murphy's innovative vocal style and interaction with instruments create a distinctive jazz experience.
What we noticed
- Mark Murphy's vocal improvisation often includes playful phrasing that deviates from the original melodies of the jazz standards.
- Murphy employs a call-and-response technique with instrumental sections, allowing for dynamic interaction between his voice and the accompanying musicians.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- playful interpretations for upbeat moods
- quick bursts of joyful energy
- for casual gatherings
- vibrant tracks with dynamic vocals
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, introspective pieces
- seek slow, atmospheric listening
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1960, Playing the Field was Mark Murphy's fourth studio album, following his earlier records that established him in the jazz scene. At this point in his career, he was gaining recognition for his unique vocal style and ability to reinterpret classic tunes with fresh energy.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Carmen McRae· Ella Fitzgerald· Sarah Vaughan
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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But Not For Me
A poignant shift occurs when the narrative voice transitions from hopeful longing to a resigned acceptance of unrequited love.
This structural change deepens the emotional impact by contrasting earlier optimism with a stark realization, enhancing the song's overall poignancy.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Put the Blame on Mame 2:47
- 2 Swinging on a Star 2:34
- 3 My Gal's Come Back 1:48
- 4 Playing the Field 2:45
- 5 Heart and Soul 2:37
- 6 Love Is a Many Splendored Thing 1:51
- 7 Honeysuckle Rose 3:07
- 8 Isn't It About Time 2:06
- 9 Wishing 3:15
- 10 As Long As I Live 1:45
- 11 I Didn't Know About You 3:37
- 12 But Not For Me 4:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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