What makes The Loud Minority by Frank Foster notable?

The Loud Minority is notable for its bold exploration of social issues during a transformative period in American history, particularly regarding civil rights. It received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and was influential in shaping the direction of progressive jazz during the early 1970s, often being cited by later artists seeking to meld music with political statements. When Frank Foster released The Loud Minority in 1972, he was transitioning from a successful career as a sideman with the Count Basie Orchestra to establishing himself as a bandleader. This album marked his debut as a solo artist, showcasing his ability to blend complex jazz compositions with social commentary, paving the way for his future works.

How many songs are on The Loud Minority?

The Loud Minority has 4 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

The Loud Minority

Frank Foster · 1972

41 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and swing that challenges societal norms through intricate arrangements and passionate performances.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Loud Minority — This title track serves as an ambitious opener that sets the tone for the album, combining intricate rhythms with a powerful message about societal awareness and activism.
→
Requiem For Dusty — A poignant tribute within the album that showcases Foster's lyrical approach to jazz composition, blending emotional depth with improvisational brilliance.
→
J.P.'s Thing — This track exemplifies Foster's masterful command of swing, featuring dynamic solos that highlight both technical skill and deep emotional resonance.

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 features intricate arrangements and strong performances, reflecting its social themes through vibrant jazz fusion.

What we noticed

The album opens with a bold brass section that sets a high-energy tone, which is maintained through intricate solos from various instruments.
The final track incorporates a gradual build-up, layering instruments to create a rich tapestry of sound before concluding with a powerful finish.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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 Loud Minority 14:34
2 Requiem For Dusty 6:12
3 J.P.'s Thing 11:44
4 E.W.-Beautiful People 8:49

What to play next

Listen next

Giant Steps

1975

Go back to

Manhattan Fever

1968

Full Frank Foster discography Artists like Frank Foster

jazz swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata