Straight No Filter
Hank Mobley · 1985
59 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of hard bop and soul jazz, showcasing intricate melodies and dynamic improvisation throughout the album.
Top tracks — play these first
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Straight No Filter — The title track encapsulates Mobley's unique approach to melody and rhythm, featuring intricate solos that highlight his technical prowess.
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Chain Reaction — This extended piece showcases a captivating interplay between the musicians, with Mobley's improvisational skills shining through as he drives the narrative of the composition.
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The Feelin's Good — This track balances upbeat energy with soulful undertones, demonstrating Mobley's ability to convey emotion while maintaining complex jazz structures.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalMobley's return showcases strong compositions and skilled arrangements, though it doesn't redefine jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of call-and-response between the saxophone and the piano, creating a dynamic interplay throughout.
- Each track maintains a mid to up-tempo pace, with only one track, 'Soft Impressions', slowing down significantly.
- The arrangements include layered instrumentation, with brass and rhythm sections complementing Mobley's saxophone lines in intricate patterns.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 mid-tempo exploration
- soulful improvisation moments
- reflective afternoon ambiance
- engaging in-order listening
- melodic warmth for relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced excitement
- seek standalone hits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1985, Straight No Filter marked Hank Mobley's return to the studio after a hiatus, following his last album in 1970. At this point in his career, Mobley was seeking to re-establish himself in the jazz scene, bringing together a mix of seasoned musicians for a fresh take on his signature sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lee Morgan· Wayne Shorter· Donald Byrd
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Straight No Filter 5:58
- 2 Chain Reaction 11:02
- 3 Soft Impressions 4:46
- 4 Old Word, New Imports 6:09
- 5 Up a Step 8:34
- 6 The Feelin's Good 5:39
- 7 East of the Village 6:48
- 8 Yes Indeed 5:35
- 9 The Good Life 5:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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