Soul Crib cover

Soul Crib

Charles Earland · 1969

37 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of hard-bop rhythms and soulful melodies that showcase jazz's dynamic evolution in the late 1960s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Soon It's Gonna Rain — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its rich harmonies and expressive solos, showcasing Earland’s virtuosity on the organ.
  • →
    Mus' Be LSD — The song stands out for its experimental sound and playful rhythm, reflecting the counterculture movement of the late '60s while pushing jazz boundaries.
  • →
    Old Folks — A poignant interpretation that highlights Earland's ability to infuse emotional depth into jazz standards, making it a memorable moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

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

The album blends hard-bop and soul influences with strong organ work, making it a notable entry in Earland's discography.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of organ as the lead instrument, creating a rich, layered sound throughout.
  • Several pieces incorporate call-and-response patterns between the organ and horns, enhancing the interaction among instruments.
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 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

  • soulful melodies for relaxation
  • vibrant rhythms for social gatherings
  • dynamic interplay between musicians
  • late-night listening with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced entertainment
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1969, Soul Crib marked Charles Earland's second album, following his debut with Black Talk! The record came during a period when Earland was solidifying his reputation in the jazz scene, particularly within the realms of bebop and soul jazz, positioning him as a key figure in the genre's development.
Stylistic neighbors
Jimmy Smith· Larry Young· Booker T. Jones

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Mus' Be LSD

    The bridge features a sudden shift in tempo and key, creating an unexpected twist that energizes the entire composition.

    This structural choice adds an element of surprise, emphasizing the adventurous spirit of the piece and reflecting broader experimental trends in music at the time.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Soon It's Gonna Rain 7:35
  • 2 Strangers in the Night 5:06
  • 3 Old Folks 5:40
  • 4 The Dozens 2:57
  • 5 Milestones Number Two 2:48
  • 6 Mus' Be LSD 6:37
  • 7 Undecided 6:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata