Roots Revisited
Maceo Parker · 1990
50 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of jazz and gospel, infused with soulful grooves and rich instrumental textures.
Top tracks — play these first
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Better Get Hit in Yo' Soul — This track exemplifies the album's vibrant energy, blending tight rhythms with powerful brass sections that showcase Parker's dynamic saxophone work.
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People Get Ready — Parker's rendition breathes new life into this timeless classic, melding soulful vocals with an uplifting arrangement that resonates deeply with listeners.
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Jumpin' the Blues — This track stands out for its infectious rhythm and improvisational flair, highlighting Parker's ability to fuse traditional blues elements with modern jazz sensibilities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases vibrant instrumental performances with strong grooves and a cohesive flow, reflecting Parker's influences.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of brass and woodwind instruments, with the saxophone taking the lead on most tracks.
- Each track maintains a lively tempo, with rhythmic variations that keep the energy high throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns typical of gospel music, enhancing the communal feel of the performances.
- 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
- infectious grooves for dancing
- uplifting energy for gatherings
- soulful moments of reflection
- celebratory spirit with friends
- dynamic shifts in emotion
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- dislike extended musical explorations
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1990, Roots Revisited was Maceo Parker's first album after his tenure with legendary funk band Parliament-Funkadelic. At this point in his career, Parker was transitioning from sideman to solo artist, showcasing his distinct saxophone style and deep roots in both jazz and gospel traditions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fred Wesley· James Brown· Herbie Hancock
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Them That Got 3:59
- 2 Children's World 10:50
- 3 Better Get Hit in Yo' Soul 5:45
- 4 People Get Ready 5:57
- 5 Up and Down East Street 8:16
- 6 Over the Rainbow 4:16
- 7 Jumpin' the Blues 6:20
- 8 In Time 5:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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