The George Cables Songbook cover

Released 10 years ago

The George Cables Songbook

George Cables · 2016

72 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of jazz melodies woven with intricate improvisation and heartfelt emotion, showcasing Cables' masterful piano skills.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Travelling Lady — This track opens the album with a compelling blend of lyrical melodies and complex harmonies, setting the tone for Cables' expressive style.
  • →
    Melodious Funk — Demonstrating a playful yet sophisticated approach, this track highlights Cables’ ability to fuse traditional jazz with contemporary grooves.
  • →
    Colors of Light — A standout piece that showcases Cables’ capacity for creating atmospheric soundscapes, reflecting emotional depth and technical prowess.
  • →
    Suite for Sweet Rita — This composition encapsulates Cables' lyrical style and showcases his storytelling through music, making it a heartfelt tribute.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and skilled improvisation, making it a notable entry in contemporary jazz.

What we noticed

  • Each track varies in tempo and mood, with some pieces maintaining a brisk pace while others delve into more reflective, slower passages.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • heartfelt improvisation inviting reflection
  • intricate melodies for focused listening
  • vibrant tapestry of emotional expression
  • extended tracks for deep engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking quick, catchy tunes
  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced rhythms

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2016, The George Cables Songbook marked a significant moment for George Cables as it was his first album after a brief hiatus in recording. This album showcases his evolution as a jazz composer and pianist, following a career that spans over four decades, during which he collaborated with notable artists including Art Blakey and McCoy Tyner.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· McCoy Tyner· Herbie Hancock

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Mystery of Monifa Brown

    A pivotal point where the narrative shifts from mystery to revelation, exploring deeper emotional layers through melodic transitions.

    This shift not only enhances the track’s dramatic arc but also illustrates Cables' skill in using music to evoke nuanced storytelling.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Travelling Lady 6:22
  • 2 AKA Reggie 7:26
  • 3 The Dark the Light 6:49
  • 4 For Honey Lulu 5:49
  • 5 Melodious Funk 6:27
  • 6 Face the Consequences 5:20
  • 7 Colors of Light 8:42
  • 8 Think On Me 5:55
  • 9 The Mystery of Monifa Brown 7:55
  • 10 Baby Steps 6:19
  • 11 Suite for Sweet Rita 5:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata