Pleasant Afternoon cover

Pleasant Afternoon

Charles Earland · 1981

35 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of intricate bebop melodies and soulful rhythms, capturing the essence of jazz in the early '80s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pleasant Afternoon — The title track unfolds with an extended improvisational section, reflecting Earland's mastery of the organ and his ability to create a serene yet complex atmosphere.
  • →
    Organic Blues — This track stands out for its deep groove and bluesy undertones, showcasing Earland's skill in blending soulful melodies with intricate bebop phrasing.
  • →
    A Prayer — With its meditative quality, this piece highlights the emotional depth that can be found within jazz, allowing listeners to connect on a personal level.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate melodies with soulful rhythms, showcasing Earland's organ prowess and maintaining listener engagement.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a fast-paced organ solo that sets a vibrant tone, while the subsequent tracks explore varying tempos and moods.
  • The final track, 'Three Blind Mice', incorporates playful improvisation, contrasting with the more structured compositions earlier in the album.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • soulful rhythms for relaxation
  • intricate melodies for attentive listening
  • afternoon ambiance with friends
  • vibrant energy for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced music
  • seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1981, Charles Earland was an established figure in jazz, known for his dynamic organ playing. 'Pleasant Afternoon' arrived as his follow-up to the critically acclaimed 'Living Black!' which solidified his presence in the genre during a time of transition in jazz styles.
Stylistic neighbors
Jimmy Smith· Larry Young· Booker T. Jones

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Murilley 6:36
  • 2 A Prayer 3:46
  • 3 Organic Blues 7:31
  • 4 Pleasant Afternoon 11:04
  • 5 Three Blind Mice 6:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata