Soul Outing! cover

Released 60 years ago

Soul Outing!

Frank Foster · 1966

35 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of swinging rhythms and soulful melodies that captures the essence of mid-60s jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Show the Good Side — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious rhythm and intricate arrangement, showcasing Foster's talent as both a composer and bandleader.
  • →
    While the City Sleeps — With its mellow vibe and rich harmonies, this track highlights Foster's ability to create atmospheric soundscapes that transport listeners into a reflective mood.
  • →
    Sakankaroony — This standout piece offers complex rhythms and a spirited performance that exemplifies Foster's innovative approach to jazz composition during this period.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Foster's debut blends traditional swing with innovative arrangements, showcasing his compositional style effectively.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of brass and woodwind instruments, creating rich textures that shift throughout each track.
  • Each piece showcases intricate arrangements, with varying tempos and dynamics that keep the listener engaged.
  • The final track employs a slower tempo and softer dynamics, providing a contrasting conclusion to the more energetic preceding pieces.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • intricate melodies for detail lovers
  • swinging rhythms for dance enthusiasts
  • evening gatherings with friends
  • captivating storytelling through sound

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer shorter, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1966, Soul Outing! was Frank Foster's debut album as a bandleader after years as a sideman for notable artists like Count Basie. This album marked a significant step in his career, showcasing his unique compositional style and establishing his voice in the jazz genre.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Show the Good Side 5:40
  • 2 While the City Sleeps 4:20
  • 3 Sakankaroony 7:53
  • 4 Chiquito loco 8:50
  • 5 Night Song 8:45

What to play next

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Go back to

Fearless Frank Foster

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jazz swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata