Silver Pony cover

Silver Pony

Cassandra Wilson · 2010

61 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A lush tapestry of jazz-infused melodies woven with Cassandra Wilson's haunting and soulful voice.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Lover Come Back to Me — This track opens the album with a poignant reinterpretation that showcases Wilson's deep emotional resonance and rich vocal style, setting the tone for the entire project.
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    If It’s Magic — Wilson's rendition transforms this Stevie Wonder classic into a haunting ballad, demonstrating her ability to infuse personal interpretation while maintaining the song's inherent beauty.
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    Blackbird — Her version of this Beatles song highlights her skillful phrasing and subtle vocal nuances, reimagining it as an intimate reflection on freedom and resilience.
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    Went Down to St. James Infirmary — This blues standard is delivered with a raw intensity that reveals Wilson's storytelling prowess, making it stand out as a highlight of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

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

The album blends original and classic jazz pieces with strong vocals and intricate arrangements, creating a unique sound.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate intricate instrumental arrangements that blend traditional jazz elements with contemporary influences.
  • The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining a steady tempo while others shift to more fluid, improvisational sections.
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 3/10

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

  • soulful vocals for quiet evenings
  • haunting melodies for reflective moments
  • steady pacing for intimate gatherings
  • lush soundscapes during late nights
  • cathartic release through emotional depth

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer upbeat party anthems

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Silver Pony' was released in November 2010, Cassandra Wilson had already established herself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, following her acclaimed album 'Loverly' from 2008. This album marks her continued exploration into blending genres, showcasing her unique blend of jazz, blues, and folk influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Diana Krall· Norah Jones· Esperanza Spalding

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • A Day in the Life of a Fool

    The narrative shifts from introspection to addressing life's fleeting nature directly invokes a sense of urgency and reflection.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Lover Come Back to Me 6:52
  • 2 Went Down to St. James Infirmary 7:14
  • 3 A Night in Seville 3:00
  • 4 Beneath a Silver Moon 6:39
  • 5 Saddle Up My Pony 9:32
  • 6 If It’s Magic 4:34
  • 7 Forty Days and Forty Nights 5:00
  • 8 Silver Pony 0:36
  • 9 A Day in the Life of a Fool 7:35
  • 10 Blackbird 6:46
  • 11 Watch the Sunrise 3:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata