Rearin' Back
Sonny Stitt · 1962
36 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of bebop and hard bop, showcasing intricate melodies and dynamic improvisation throughout.
Top tracks — play these first
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Rearin' Back — The title track features an engaging interplay between the saxophones and rhythm section, establishing a lively atmosphere that defines the album’s spirit.
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Little Girl Blue — This track showcases a more emotive side of Stitt’s playing, with a soulful delivery that contrasts with the upbeat nature of other songs.
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Queen — With its extended runtime and intricate solos, this piece exemplifies Stitt's improvisational skill and ability to captivate listeners over longer compositions.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong compositions and improvisation but lacks the cohesion of a concept-driven work.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of call-and-response between the saxophone and the rhythm section, creating a dynamic interplay.
- Each track maintains a brisk tempo, with intricate melodic lines that showcase Stitt's improvisational skills.
- Several tracks include extended solos that allow for exploration of themes, particularly in 'Cut Plug' and 'Carpsie's Groove'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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6/10
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
- steady mid-tempo groove exploration
- virtuosic saxophone-led conversations
- for relaxed gatherings
- engaging background for focused work
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'Rearin' Back' was released in 1962, Sonny Stitt was already an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his virtuosic saxophone skills. This album followed his earlier works that cemented his reputation as a leading bebop artist, showcasing his ability to blend styles and innovate within the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Charlie Parker· John Coltrane· Ornette Coleman
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Little Girl Blue
The melody subtly shifts from major to minor tones evokes a sense of longing amidst otherwise cheerful instrumentation.
This tonal shift underscores emotional complexity, illustrating Stitt's mastery in conveying depth through melodic choices.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Rearin' Back 5:15
- 2 We 4:04
- 3 Little Girl Blue 3:34
- 4 Cut Plug 4:13
- 5 Queen 7:00
- 6 Carpsie's Groove 6:10
- 7 Bunny R. 6:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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