What makes Slow Traffic to the Right by Bennie Maupin notable?

This album is significant for its innovative fusion of jazz elements and experimental sounds, helping pave the way for future acid jazz movements. It received positive critical attention, highlighting Maupin's intricate arrangements and virtuosic performances, which influenced a generation of jazz musicians. Released in 1977, Slow Traffic to the Right marked Bennie Maupin's first album as a leader after his notable contributions to Herbie Hancock's Headhunters. This project came at a pivotal moment in Maupin's career, allowing him to showcase his unique vision and creativity beyond sideman roles.

How many songs are on Slow Traffic to the Right?

Slow Traffic to the Right has 6 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Slow Traffic to the Right

Bennie Maupin · 1977

32 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of experimental jazz, blending intricate rhythms with deep melodic explorations across its atmospheric soundscapes.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
It Remains to Be Seen — Opening the album with an expansive eight-minute exploration, this track sets the tone for the entire record with its complex structures and improvisational depth.
→
Eternal Flame — The track features lush harmonies and a captivating melody that showcases Maupin's ability to blend traditional jazz with avant-garde influences effectively.
→
Quasar — With its cosmic themes and rhythmic experimentation, this piece encapsulates the album's overall exploratory spirit, pushing the boundaries of jazz into new territories.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate arrangements and experimental jazz elements, making it a notable work in Maupin's career.

What we noticed

Each piece often begins with a sparse arrangement that gradually layers in additional instruments, building tension and depth.
Melodic lines are frequently exchanged between woodwinds and brass, allowing for a conversational interplay rather than a single lead voice.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 It Remains to Be Seen 8:01
2 Eternal Flame 4:34
3 Water Torture 4:52
4 You Know the Deal 7:03
5 Lament 1:52
6 Quasar 5:53

What to play next

Listen next

Moonscapes

1978

Go back to

The Jewel in the Lotus

1974

Full Bennie Maupin discography Artists like Bennie Maupin

acid jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata