Soul Stirrin' cover

Soul Stirrin'

Bennie Green · 1958

46 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of hard-bop rhythms and soulful melodies that showcases Bennie Green's virtuosic trombone work.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Soul Stirrin' — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit with its infectious groove and dynamic interplay among musicians, showcasing Green's mastery on the trombone.
  • →
    We Wanna Cook — This lively composition features intricate solos and a catchy melody that highlights Green's ability to merge technical skill with an engaging performance style.
  • →
    B.G. Mambo — With its Latin-inspired rhythms, this track demonstrates Green's versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles while maintaining his jazz roots.

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

Soul Stirrin' blends hard-bop rhythms with soulful trombone melodies, showcasing strong improvisation and arrangement.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with the title track, which features a strong trombone melody supported by a tight rhythm section that drives the hard-bop feel.
  • Each track showcases extended improvisation, with solos that often shift between instruments, particularly highlighting the trombone and piano.
  • The last two tracks feature a noticeable drop in tempo, creating a contrast to the more upbeat pieces earlier in the album.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • steady rhythms for focused listening
  • uplifting vibes for creative work
  • invigorating energy for social gatherings
  • captivating improvisation for deep engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced instant gratification
  • seek short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1958, Soul Stirrin' marks Bennie Green's fourth album and was pivotal in establishing him as a significant figure in the jazz scene. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from supporting roles with artists like Max Roach to leading his own projects, solidifying his reputation as a skilled bandleader and musician.
Stylistic neighbors
Oliver Nelson· Sun Ra· Charles Mingus

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Soul Stirrin' 6:53
  • 2 We Wanna Cook 6:41
  • 3 That's All 6:29
  • 4 Lullaby of the Doomed 6:04
  • 5 B.G. Mambo 8:18
  • 6 Black Pearl 5:48
  • 7 Soul Stirrin' (Mono Take) 6:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata