What makes Solid by Grant Green notable?

Solid is notable for its blending of jazz with funk influences, contributing to the genre's evolution during the late 1970s. The album received positive critical reception for its innovative sound, and it has since been recognized as a significant work within Green's discography, showcasing his unique style and musicianship. Released in 1979, Solid was Grant Green's last album for the Blue Note label, marking a transition as he explored more contemporary sounds. At this point in his career, Green was shifting away from traditional jazz to incorporate elements of funk and soul, reflecting broader musical trends of the time.

Solid works well if you're into steady mid-tempo exploration, soulful grooves for relaxation and vibrant instrumental focus.

How many songs are on Solid?

Solid has 6 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Solid

Grant Green · 1979

47 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, characterized by fluid guitar lines and intricate rhythmic interplay.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Minor League — This track opens the album with an infectious groove that highlights Green's ability to merge melodic improvisation with rhythmic complexity, setting the tone for the rest of the record.
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Ezz-Thetic — The expansive arrangement allows for intricate interplay between instruments, showcasing Green's improvisational skills while also reflecting the experimental spirit of the era.
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Wives and Lovers — This cover features lush harmonies and a soulful interpretation, demonstrating Green's ability to transform familiar melodies into fresh, engaging listening experiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Solid blends jazz and funk with fluid guitar work and intricate rhythms, showcasing Green's innovative approach.

What we noticed

The album features extended instrumental sections where the guitar takes the lead, often accompanied by a tight rhythm section that emphasizes syncopation.
Each track maintains a consistent groove, with several pieces incorporating funk-inspired bass lines that drive the arrangements.
The final track includes a gradual fade-out, creating a sense of closure while leaving some musical ideas unresolved.

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

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

steady mid-tempo exploration
soulful grooves for relaxation
vibrant instrumental focus
background warmth for conversations

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1979, Solid was Grant Green's last album for the Blue Note label, marking a transition as he explored more contemporary sounds. At this point in his career, Green was shifting away from traditional jazz to incorporate elements of funk and soul, reflecting broader musical trends of the time.
Stylistic neighbors: George Benson· Kenny Burrell· Jimmy Ponder

Tracklist

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

1 Minor League 7:05
2 Ezz-Thetic 10:39
3 Grant's Tune 6:58
4 Solid 7:20
5 Kicker 6:19
6 Wives and Lovers 9:02

What to play next

Listen next

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Easy

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata