Signifyin'
Lou Donaldson · 1963
30 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of soulful melodies and intricate rhythms, showcasing Donaldson's mastery of bebop and soul jazz.
Top tracks — play these first
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Signifyin' Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its catchy melody and rhythmic complexity, showcasing Donaldson's signature alto saxophone style.
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Time After Time — This piece highlights Donaldson's ability to convey emotion through simplicity, featuring a memorable theme that resonates deeply with listeners.
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Don't Get Around Much Anymore — Donaldson's interpretation of this classic standard adds a fresh, soulful twist, exemplifying his innovative approach to familiar material.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album effectively blends jazz and soul elements, showcasing strong melodies and rhythmic interplay.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a prominent saxophone melody, supported by a tight rhythm section that maintains a steady groove.
- Each of the six tracks showcases distinct melodic lines, often featuring call-and-response patterns between the saxophone and the piano.
- The final track introduces a slower tempo and more contemplative mood, contrasting with the upbeat nature of the preceding songs.
- 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
- steady grooves for relaxed evenings
- expressive improvisation for detail lovers
- gradual development towards satisfying conclusion
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Signifyin' marks Donaldson's shift to a soul-influenced sound, expanding his audience.
- Themes
- soulful melodies· 1960s jazz evolution· catchy rhythms
- Career context
- Released in 1963, Signifyin' marked Lou Donaldson's transition into a more soul-influenced sound after his earlier bebop work. This album followed the success of his previous release, Here 'Tis, which helped solidify his reputation in the jazz scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Horace Silver· Cannonball Adderley· Stan Getz
Tracklist
- 1 Signifyin' Start here 6:55
- 2 Time After Time 2:30
- 3 Si Si Safronia 5:30
- 4 Don't Get Around Much Anymore 3:46
- 5 I Feel It in My Bones 8:00
- 6 Coppin' a Plea 4:10
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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