What makes Taylor's Tenors by Art Taylor notable?

This album is significant for its representation of the hard-bop movement, which sought to infuse more complex rhythms and blues elements into jazz. It is celebrated for its critical reception among jazz enthusiasts, often cited in discussions about the evolution of modern jazz drumming. Notably, it showcases contributions from several renowned saxophonists, illustrating Taylor's ability to curate talent and create compelling musical dialogues. When Art Taylor released 'Taylor's Tenors' in 1959, he was already an established drummer known for his work with prominent jazz figures like John Coltrane. This album followed his notable contributions to classic records in the hard-bop genre, solidifying his reputation as a crucial collaborator within the jazz scene. The record captures a moment where Taylor begins to carve out his own identity as a bandleader.

How many songs are on Taylor's Tenors?

Taylor's Tenors has 6 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Taylor's Tenors

Art Taylor · 1959

36 min · 6 tracks · jazz

An exploration of hard-bop jazz featuring intricate rhythms and vibrant improvisation, showcasing the prowess of its talented ensemble.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rhythm-a-ning — This track highlights the dynamic interplay between rhythm and melody, featuring intricate solos that showcase each musician's technical skill. Its engaging tempo and complex structure make it a quintessential representation of the album's overall sound.
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Straight, No Chaser — A reimagining of Thelonious Monk's classic, this rendition emphasizes sharp rhythmic accents and lively improvisation, demonstrating Taylor's rhythmic foundation while allowing each soloist to shine. Its recognizable melody provides a familiar anchor amidst the album's adventurous spirit.
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Fidel — This composition stands out for its smooth blend of melodic lines and syncopated rhythms, showcasing a more lyrical side of the ensemble. The interactions between the horns create a rich tapestry of sound that encapsulates the essence of Taylor’s artistic vision.

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 effectively showcases hard-bop elements through intricate rhythms and vibrant improvisation.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms across all tracks, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes in depth.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Rhythm-a-ning 6:50
2 Little Chico 5:03
3 Cape Millie 6:14
4 Straight, No Chaser 5:42
5 Fidel 6:51
6 Dacor 5:33

What to play next

Listen next

A.T.'s Delight

1960

Go back to

Taylor's Wailers

1957

Full Art Taylor discography Artists like Art Taylor

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata