What makes Study in Brown by Clifford Brown notable?

Study in Brown is celebrated for its influence on the hard bop movement and features compositions that have since become jazz standards. The album received critical acclaim and solidified Brown's reputation, highlighted by its inclusion in DownBeat magazine’s list of essential jazz albums. Released in 1955, Study in Brown was Clifford Brown's first studio album as a bandleader after establishing himself as a prominent trumpeter in the jazz scene. It followed his significant collaboration with Max Roach on albums like 'Clifford Brown & Max Roach' (1954), marking a pivotal moment in his career where he stepped into the spotlight.

Who is Study in Brown for?

Study in Brown works well if you're into steady rhythmic explorations unfold, vibrant melodies for focused listening and intricate trumpet showcases depth.

How many songs are on Study in Brown?

Study in Brown has 9 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Study in Brown

Clifford Brown · 1955

39 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of bebop and hard-bop showcasing virtuosic trumpet lines and intricate ensemble interplay.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Cherokee — This track exemplifies Brown's technical prowess and improvisational skill, transforming the classic standard into a bebop showcase filled with rapid-fire melodies.
→
Sandu — With its captivating melody and complex harmonic structure, 'Sandu' highlights Brown's ability to balance lyrical expression with rhythmic drive, making it a standout composition.
→
Take the ‘A’ Train — 'Take the ‘A’ Train' serves as an energetic closer that incorporates playful exchanges between instruments, reflecting the ensemble's cohesive synergy and joyful spirit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album features strong compositions and exceptional craftsmanship, solidifying its place in jazz history.

What we noticed

Each track features extended solos, particularly highlighting Brown's virtuosic trumpet playing alongside intricate piano and rhythm section interplay.
The ensemble frequently shifts dynamics, moving from soft, contemplative passages to vibrant, energetic sections within the same track.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 rhythmic explorations unfold
vibrant melodies for focused listening
intricate trumpet showcases depth
for afternoon study sessions

Maybe skip if you

dislike melodic complexity
prefer fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1955, Study in Brown was Clifford Brown's first studio album as a bandleader after establishing himself as a prominent trumpeter in the jazz scene. It followed his significant collaboration with Max Roach on albums like 'Clifford Brown & Max Roach' (1954), marking a pivotal moment in his career where he stepped into the spotlight.
Stylistic neighbors: Max Roach· Art Blakey· Lee Morgan