Soul in the Night cover

Released 60 years ago

Soul in the Night

Sonny Stitt · 1966

34 min · 7 tracks · jazz

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Stitt's improvisational prowess shines in a cohesive set that balances groove and melody.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of saxophone as the lead instrument, with Stitt's improvisational style dominating each track.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the saxophone and rhythm section, enhancing the interaction within the ensemble.
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
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • short bursts of melodic warmth
  • easygoing late-night conversations
  • smooth transitions with playful energy
  • cascading solos that invite reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
  • want complex, lengthy compositions

Where this album fits

Stylistic neighbors
Charlie Parker· John Coltrane· Ornette Coleman

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Soul in the Night 4:03
  • 2 It's Awfully Nice to Be With You 3:47
  • 3 Hot Line 3:49
  • 4 Home Stretch 4:49
  • 5 The Spies 6:15
  • 6 One Alone 5:48
  • 7 Sneakin' Up on You 5:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata