Romare Bearden Revealed
Branford Marsalis Quartet · 2003
53 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of jazz and blues, weaving intricate melodies with deep rhythmic grooves in an homage to art and culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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Jungle Blues — This track exemplifies the album's blend of rhythm and improvisation, featuring complex interplay between instruments that showcases Marsalis' compositional strength.
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Seabreeze — With its lush harmonies and serene vibe, this track captures the essence of relaxation and introspection that defines much of the album's atmosphere.
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Laughin' & Talkin' (with Higg) — This collaboration features engaging dialogue between musicians, illustrating Marsalis’ ability to merge storytelling with musical expression, creating a rich auditory experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate melodies and rhythmic grooves, reflecting a strong jazz identity while engaging with visual arts themes.
What we noticed
- The album features a strong interplay between the saxophone and piano, with each instrument taking turns in the lead while maintaining a cohesive sound.
- Tracks often shift dynamics, with several pieces starting softly before building to more intense climaxes, creating a sense of movement throughout.
- The use of blues motifs is prevalent, particularly in the rhythmic patterns and melodic lines, which adds depth to the jazz framework.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- soulful melodies for reflective moments
- improvisational exploration with dynamic shifts
- vibrant energy for social gatherings
- captivating storytelling through sound
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer predictable song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'Romare Bearden Revealed' was released in 2003, Branford Marsalis was already an established figure in jazz, known for his innovative approach. This album followed his 1998 release 'The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born,' showcasing his continued evolution as a bandleader and composer, while exploring the intersection of music and visual art.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Bad Plus· Joshua Redman· Chick Corea Elektric Band
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I'm Slappin' Seventh Avenue 2:03
- 2 Jungle Blues 8:51
- 3 Seabreeze 6:13
- 4 J Mood 10:49
- 5 B's Paris Blues 4:30
- 6 Autumn Lamp 2:54
- 7 Steppin' on the Blues 4:55
- 8 Laughin' & Talkin' (with Higg) 10:43
- 9 Carolina Shout 2:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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