What makes Puttin' It Together by Elvin Jones notable?

This album is significant for its innovative blend of complex rhythms and melodic improvisation, reflecting the evolution of jazz in the late 1960s. It received critical acclaim and showcased Jones's versatility, influencing subsequent generations of jazz musicians seeking to expand the genre's expressive possibilities. Puttin' It Together is Elvin Jones' seventh studio album, released during a prolific period following his tenure with the John Coltrane Quartet. By 1968, Jones was establishing himself as a bandleader, exploring new compositional ideas and showcasing his unique approach to rhythm and collaboration.

Who is Puttin' It Together for?

Puttin' It Together works well if you're into steady mid-tempo rhythmic exploration, intricate melodies for attentive listening and vibrant sound for afternoon relaxation.

How many songs are on Puttin' It Together?

Puttin' It Together has 7 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Puttin' It Together

Elvin Jones · 1968

41 min · 7 tracks · jazz

Explosive drumming meets intricate melodies in a vibrant tapestry of post-bop jazz that pushes boundaries and invites deep listening.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Reza — The opener sets the tone with its dynamic interplay between drums and piano, demonstrating Jones's mastery of rhythm while establishing a captivating melodic theme.
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Sweet Little Maia — This track stands out for its lyrical quality, featuring a tender yet intricate melody that allows each musician to shine through their improvisations.
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For Heaven's Sake — Jones's interpretation brings a fresh energy to this standard, crafting an engaging dialogue between the instruments that highlights his innovative drumming techniques.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album showcases complex rhythms and melodies, reflecting Jones's innovative approach to post-bop jazz.

What we noticed

The album features intricate drum patterns that often lead the compositions, with melodic lines weaving in and out rather than dominating.
Each track maintains a distinct rhythmic structure, with several pieces incorporating polyrhythms that challenge traditional jazz forms.
The interplay between the instruments creates a dynamic conversation, where solos emerge organically rather than following a strict format.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo rhythmic exploration
intricate melodies for attentive listening
vibrant sound for afternoon relaxation
dynamic improvisation in every track

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, upbeat tunes
seek standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

Career context: Puttin' It Together is Elvin Jones' seventh studio album, released during a prolific period following his tenure with the John Coltrane Quartet. By 1968, Jones was establishing himself as a bandleader, exploring new compositional ideas and showcasing his unique approach to rhythm and collaboration.
Stylistic neighbors: Tony Williams· Jack DeJohnette· Max Roach