What makes Streamline by Lenny White notable?

Streamline received positive critical reception and contributed significantly to the jazz fusion genre during the late 1970s. The album is noted for its inventive compositions and helped solidify White's reputation as a pioneering drummer and composer within the jazz community. Released in 1978, Streamline was Lenny White's second solo album following his work with the influential jazz fusion group Return to Forever. At this point in his career, White was transitioning from being primarily known as a drummer to establishing himself as a multifaceted artist capable of leading his own projects.

Who is Streamline for?

Streamline works well if you're into intricate rhythms for attentive listening, playful energy for social gatherings and dynamic shifts keep engagement high.

How many songs are on Streamline?

Streamline has 11 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Streamline

Lenny White · 1978

37 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A dynamic blend of jazz fusion and funk, with intricate rhythms and vibrant melodies that showcase Lenny White's virtuosity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Struttin' — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious groove and showcases White's skillful drumming alongside tight arrangements.
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Pooh Bear — A standout composition featuring rich harmonies and melodic interplay, it highlights White's ability to blend complex rhythms with accessible tunes.
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Night Games — This track exemplifies the album's fusion of jazz and funk, incorporating engaging solos that display both technical prowess and emotional depth.

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 intricate rhythms and vibrant melodies, showcasing Lenny White's skill while exploring diverse instrumental focuses.

What we noticed

Each track showcases a different instrumental focus, with pieces like 'Lockie's Inspiration' highlighting the piano while others emphasize the bass or drums.
The running time of each track varies significantly, with some exceeding six minutes, allowing for extended improvisation and exploration of themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

intricate rhythms for attentive listening
playful energy for social gatherings
dynamic shifts keep engagement high
brief interludes spark curiosity
cathartic grooves for dancing

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1978, Streamline was Lenny White's second solo album following his work with the influential jazz fusion group Return to Forever. At this point in his career, White was transitioning from being primarily known as a drummer to establishing himself as a multifaceted artist capable of leading his own projects.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Billy Cobham· Herbie Hancock

Tracklist

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

1 Struttin' 4:45
2 Lady Madonna 3:54
3 12 Bars From Mars 3:12
4 Earthlings 4:47
5 Spazmo Strikes Again 0:25
6 Time 2:58
7 Pooh Bear 5:03
8 Lockie's Inspiration 0:41
9 I'll See You Soon 6:31
10 Night Games 3:58
11 Cosmic Indigo 0:51

What to play next

Listen next

A Tribute to Monk and Bird

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Go back to

Big City

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jazz fusion

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata