Seeds from the Underground cover

Seeds from the Underground

Kenny Garrett · 2012

71 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of intricate melodies and rhythmic explorations, intertwining traditional jazz with contemporary influences.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Boogety Boogety — This track opens the album with an infectious groove and showcases Garrett's signature improvisational style, setting a high-energy tone for the record.
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    Detroit — A homage to Garrett's hometown, this piece captures the essence of urban life through its dynamic rhythms and heartfelt solos, highlighting his deep connection to place.
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    Seeds From The Underground — The title track features complex arrangements and layered instrumentation that reflect Garrett's artistic maturity and willingness to experiment with sound.
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    Welcome Earth Song — With its lyrical themes and rich melodic lines, this track stands out as a poignant reflection on humanity and nature, showcasing Garrett's emotive playing.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate compositions with strong improvisational elements, showcasing Garrett's evolution as a jazz musician.

What we noticed

  • Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to written melodies.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • vibrant rhythmic exploration
  • immersive long-form listening experience
  • complex melodies that engage
  • dynamic saxophone-led improvisation
  • reflective moments of tranquility

Maybe skip if you

  • want instant gratification
  • prefer concise track lengths

Where this album fits

Career context
Upon its release in 2012, 'Seeds from the Underground' marked Kenny Garrett's return after a five-year hiatus following 'Sketches of MD'. This album showcases his evolution as a musician, incorporating diverse influences while maintaining his distinct voice on the alto saxophone. At this point, Garrett was solidifying his status as a prominent figure in modern jazz.
Stylistic neighbors
Chris Potter· Joshua Redman· Wayne Shorter

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Boogety Boogety 9:03
  • 2 J. Mac 6:26
  • 3 Wiggins 7:37
  • 4 Haynes Here 7:27
  • 5 Detroit 4:21
  • 6 Seeds From The Underground 8:08
  • 7 Du-Wo-Mo 8:16
  • 8 Welcome Earth Song 8:43
  • 9 Ballad Jarrett 6:22
  • 10 Laviso, I Bon? 4:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata