What makes Song of Songs by Woody Shaw notable?

The album received critical acclaim, with particular praise for its adventurous arrangements and Shaw's virtuosic trumpet work. It has been influential in shaping the sound of modern jazz and is often cited as a key work in Shaw's discography. Released in 1973, 'Song of Songs' was Woody Shaw's first album as a bandleader after establishing himself as a prominent trumpeter with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. This album marked a significant step in his career, showcasing his innovative approach to jazz composition and improvisation.

How many songs are on Song of Songs?

Song of Songs has 4 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Song of Songs

Woody Shaw · 1973

38 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of complex harmonies and intricate rhythms that pushes the boundaries of traditional jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Song of Songs — The title track stands out for its ambitious structure, blending lyrical melodies with intricate improvisation that showcases Shaw's unique voice on the trumpet.
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The Goat and the Archer — This piece features a dynamic interplay between instruments, illustrating Shaw's ability to craft engaging narratives through jazz improvisation.
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Love: For the One You Can't Have — This track encapsulates emotional depth within its complex harmonies, highlighting Shaw's skill in conveying vulnerability through his playing.

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 complex compositions and virtuosic performances, marking a significant step in Shaw's career.

What we noticed

The album features extended compositions, with each track averaging over seven minutes, allowing for intricate development of themes.
Shaw's trumpet leads with complex melodic lines that often intertwine with the rhythm section, creating a dynamic interplay.

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 Song of Songs 11:39
2 The Goat and the Archer 7:35
3 Love: For the One You Can't Have 10:04
4 The Awakening 8:47

What to play next

Listen next

The Moontrane

1975

Go back to

Blackstone Legacy

1971

Full Woody Shaw discography Artists like Woody Shaw

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata