What makes Temporary Kings by Mark Turner notable?

Temporary Kings received positive reviews from critics, highlighting Turner's distinctive voice on the saxophone and his unique ability to combine various jazz influences. The album’s sophisticated arrangements contributed to its recognition within the contemporary jazz community, reinforcing Turner's position as a leading innovator in the genre. When Mark Turner released Temporary Kings in 2018, he was already an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his innovative saxophone work. This album arrived after his critically acclaimed records such as Lathe of Heaven (2014), showcasing a continued evolution in his style and compositional approach, reflecting both personal and artistic maturity.

How many songs are on Temporary Kings?

Temporary Kings has 9 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Temporary Kings

Mark Turner · 2018

53 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A captivating blend of intricate melodies and rhythmic explorations, merging traditional jazz with modern sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Temporary Kings — The title track features complex harmonies and a fluid improvisational style that encapsulates the essence of Turner's musical vision, blending traditional jazz with contemporary flair.
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Lugano — This track stands out for its lyrical interplay between instruments, showcasing Turner’s ability to create an emotive atmosphere through melodic dialogue.
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Unclaimed Freight — With its dynamic structure and engaging rhythm, this piece exemplifies Turner's mastery of tension and release, making it a highlight of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate melodies and improvisational depth highlight Turner's innovative approach to jazz.

What we noticed

Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes in depth.
The use of varied instrumentation, including piano and bass alongside saxophone, adds layers to the harmonic structure throughout the record.

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

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 Lugano 5:00
2 Temporary Kings 5:44
3 Turner’s Chamber of Unlikely Delights 5:54
4 Dixie’s Dilemma 6:00
5 Yesterday’s Bouquet 4:44
6 Unclaimed Freight 6:49
7 Myron’s World 7:15
8 Third Familiar 4:24
9 Seven Points 7:54

What to play next

Listen next

Faroe

2018

Go back to

Lathe of Heaven

2014

Full Mark Turner discography Artists like Mark Turner

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