St. Thomas: Tribute to Great Tenors cover

St. Thomas: Tribute to Great Tenors

John Hicks · 1991

64 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant homage blending classic jazz standards with soulful improvisations and rich harmonies.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    St. Thomas Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its infectious rhythm and playful improvisation, reflecting Hicks' skill in reimagining a Calypso classic within a jazz context.
  • →
    Softly as in a Morning Sunrise — Hicks transforms this standard into a lush exploration of melody and harmony, showcasing his sophisticated touch and emotive playing style.
  • →
    Dear Old Stockholm — This track highlights Hicks' ability to weave intricate melodies through an atmospheric arrangement, allowing moments of introspection amidst lively improvisation.

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

The album blends classic jazz standards with improvisational flair, showcasing Hicks' artistry while maintaining a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • Each track features extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to the original melodies.
  • The album opens with a lively rendition of 'St. Thomas' that sets a brisk tempo, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the piano and other instruments, creating a dynamic interplay that showcases each musician's strengths.
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 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 melodic exploration throughout
  • suitable for reflective afternoons
  • heartfelt improvisation and expression
  • rich textures for attentive listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced music
  • seek short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Showcases Hicks as a bandleader, marking his departure from sideman roles.
Career context
Released in 1991, 'St. Thomas: Tribute to Great Tenors' marked John Hicks' departure from more traditional roles as a sideman, showcasing his artistry as a bandleader. This album followed his work with notable figures in jazz and solidified his position within the genre during a time when he was gaining greater recognition for his unique interpretations.
Stylistic neighbors
McCoy Tyner· Chick Corea· Ahmad Jamal
New to John Hicks? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 St. Thomas Start here 6:36
  • 2 Softly as in a Morning Sunrise 9:43
  • 3 The Shadow of Your Smile 7:16
  • 4 Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum 8:43
  • 5 Dear Old Stockholm 8:36
  • 6 A Child Is Born 7:40
  • 7 Impressions 7:48
  • 8 My One and Only Love 8:13

What to play next

Is That So?
Listen next

Is That So?

1991

This album continues the vibrant jazz style with rich improvisation and harmonic depth.
Steadfast
Go back to

Steadfast

1991

Leads into a similar tribute style, showcasing Hicks' expressive playing.
Full John Hicks discography Where to start with John Hicks Artists like John Hicks
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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata