Slightly Latin
Rahsaan Roland Kirk · 1965
40 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of jazz textures and Latin rhythms, showcasing intricate melodies and dynamic improvisation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Walk on By — This track exemplifies Kirk's ability to transform pop standards into complex jazz interpretations, featuring rich harmonies and spirited improvisation that highlight his unique style.
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Safari — With its infectious rhythm and engaging melodies, this track stands out as a showcase for Kirk's virtuosic woodwind playing and ability to create a lively atmosphere.
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The Shadow of Your Smile (Love Theme From the Sandpiper) — Kirk's interpretation of this classic demonstrates his emotional depth, with nuanced phrasing that adds layers to the original melody while maintaining its romantic essence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends jazz with Latin rhythms effectively, showcasing Kirk's multi-instrumental talent and improvisational skills.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of Latin percussion instruments alongside traditional jazz elements, creating a rhythmic interplay throughout.
- Kirk employs multiple instruments, often switching between them within tracks, which adds layers of texture and complexity to the arrangements.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- vibrant energy for social settings
- intricate melodies for attentive listeners
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- playful rhythms that invite movement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, meditative experiences
- seek long, immersive compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Slightly Latin' was released in 1965, Rahsaan Roland Kirk had already established himself as a unique voice in jazz, known for his multi-instrumental skills and innovative performances. This album followed his notable release 'Rip, Rig and Panic' from 1965, further solidifying his reputation as an avant-garde artist pushing the boundaries of jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Charles Mingus· Sun Ra· Ornette Coleman
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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It's All in the Game
The song shifts from a contemplative tone to moments of passionate expression, reflecting the complexities of love and life through musical dialogue.
This structural contrast enhances the emotional weight of the piece, illustrating how Kirk uses improvisation to explore deeper themes beyond the lyrics.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Walk on By 2:25
- 2 Raouf 3:02
- 3 It’s All in the Game 5:17
- 4 Juarez 5:33
- 5 Shaky Money 1:48
- 6 Nothing but the Truth 3:02
- 7 Safari 4:25
- 8 And I Love Her 3:02
- 9 Ebrauqs 8:20
- 10 The Shadow of Your Smile (Love Theme From the Sandpiper) 3:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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