Suite 16
Yusef Lateef · 1970
34 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of jazz infused with classical elements, showcasing intricate arrangements and emotive improvisation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Buddy and Lou Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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When a Man Loves a Woman — This track stands out for its soulful interpretation of the classic song, featuring Lateef’s signature flute work that adds a fresh dimension to the familiar melody.
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First Movement: Folia — The opening movement showcases Lateef’s ability to weave classical themes with jazz improvisation, demonstrating his innovative approach to composition.
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Third Movement: Blues (Twelve Measure Form) Variational (interlude) — This interlude highlights Lateef's skill in exploring blues forms within a classical framework, bridging genres while maintaining emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's ambitious fusion of jazz and classical elements showcases strong composition but has some uneven cohesion.
What we noticed
- Tracks like 'First Movement: Folia' and 'Second Movement: Minuet' incorporate classical motifs while maintaining a jazz sensibility through rhythmic complexity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- dynamic suite with varied movements
- wave-like pacing that flows
- engaging improvisation meets structure
- short tracks for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Ambitious fusion of jazz and classical, expanding jazz's boundaries during the 1970s.
- Themes
- soulful reinterpretation· world music influences
- Career context
- Released in 1970, Suite 16 is Yusef Lateef's follow-up to his acclaimed album The Blue Yusef Lateef. At this point in his career, Lateef was exploring a unique fusion of jazz with world music influences, solidifying his reputation as an innovator in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pharoah Sanders· Alice Coltrane· Don Cherry
Tracklist
- 1 Buddy and Lou Start here 3:12
- 2 Down in Atlanta 4:14
- 3 Nocturne 4:02
- 4 When a Man Loves a Woman 3:18
- 5 Michelle 1:42
- 6 First Movement: Folia 2:21
- 7 Second Movement: Minuet (Hybrid, Atonal) 2:11
- 8 Third Movement: Blues (Twelve Measure Form) Variational (interlude) 6:53
- 9 Fourth Movement: Passacaglia 2:04
- 10 Fifth Movement: Chorale, Sixth Movemen: Blues (extended form) 2:12
- 11 Seventh Movement: Blues, Coda 2:38
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Journey in Satchidananda
Alice Coltrane
Combines jazz with spiritual and world music elements, creating rich, emotive soundscapes.
Relativity Suite
Don Cherry
Explores intricate arrangements and global influences, merging jazz with diverse cultural sounds.
My Spanish Heart
Chick Corea
Fuses jazz with classical and world music, showcasing complex structures and soulful improvisation.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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