Stick-Up! cover

Stick-Up!

Bobby Hutcherson · 1968

40 min · 6 tracks · jazz fusion

A vibrant blend of jazz fusion and hard bop, infused with intricate rhythms and melodic exploration.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Una muy bonita — This opening track sets the tone with its lively tempo and engaging melodic lines, showcasing Hutcherson's virtuosic vibraphone skills.
  • →
    Black Circle — With its complex rhythms and harmonies, this track illustrates Hutcherson's ability to merge intricate arrangements with emotional depth.
  • →
    Blues Mind Matter — This piece stands out for its succinct yet powerful expression of blues sensibilities, demonstrating Hutcherson's versatility and mastery of mood.

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

The album blends intricate rhythms and strong melodies, showcasing Hutcherson's vibraphone mastery within jazz fusion.

What we noticed

  • Each track showcases a distinct melodic theme, with the vibraphone often leading while other instruments provide harmonic support.
  • The last two tracks, 'Verse' and 'Blues Mind Matter', slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective conclusion to 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 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

  • gradual build to vibrant climax
  • immersive vibraphone-led exploration
  • late-night reflective listening
  • rich melodic improvisation journey

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, catchy tracks
  • seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1968, Stick-Up! was Bobby Hutcherson's fifth album, following his critically acclaimed work on the Blue Note label. At this point in his career, Hutcherson was solidifying his reputation as a leading vibraphonist in the jazz genre, known for his innovative approach to melody and rhythm.
Stylistic neighbors
McCoy Tyner· Joe Chambers· Gary Burton

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Una muy bonita 6:27
  • 2 8/4 Beat 6:59
  • 3 Summer Nights 6:59
  • 4 Black Circle 6:57
  • 5 Verse 9:32
  • 6 Blues Mind Matter 3:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata