What makes The Blues; That's Me! by Illinois Jacquet notable?

This album is significant for its exploration of blues within a jazz framework, showcasing Jacquet's unique ability to blend genres. It received positive critical reception, contributing to the revival of interest in traditional blues during the late 1960s. By 1969, Illinois Jacquet was an established figure in jazz, known for his innovative work in the jump blues and bebop scenes. 'The Blues; That's Me!' came out during a prolific period for Jacquet, following his successful collaborations and highlighting his growth as a bandleader.

How many songs are on The Blues; That's Me!?

The Blues; That's Me! has 6 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

The Blues; That's Me!

Illinois Jacquet · 1969

40 min · 6 tracks · swing

A vibrant fusion of jazz styles, showcasing expressive saxophone leads and tight rhythm sections that evoke deep emotional resonance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Blues; That's Me! — The title track serves as a powerful statement of identity, melding lyrical improvisations with rich melodies that encapsulate the album's essence.
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'Round Midnight — 'Round Midnight' features Jacquet's emotive saxophone phrasing, transforming Thelonious Monk's classic into a personal reflection on loneliness and longing.
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Everyday I Have the Blues — This track captures the raw spirit of blues through Jacquet’s soulful interpretation, underscoring the emotional depth that runs throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Jacquet blends jazz and blues effectively, creating a vibrant listening experience with strong performances throughout.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a prominent saxophone lead, supported by a tight rhythm section that maintains a steady swing feel.
The final track, Everyday I Have the Blues, brings the album full circle with a return to the blues roots, emphasizing Jacquet's versatility across styles.

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: 7/10
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 The Blues; That's Me! 10:34
2 Still King 3:57
3 'Round Midnight 6:56
4 The Galloping Latin 5:34
5 For Once in My Life 7:06
6 Everyday I Have the Blues 6:27

What to play next

Listen next

The Soul Explosion

1969

Go back to

The King!

1968

Full Illinois Jacquet discography Artists like Illinois Jacquet

Dixieland jazz bebop swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata