Top tracks — play these first
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Where Flamingos Fly — This track exemplifies Blake's ability to blend haunting melodies with complex harmonies, creating an atmospheric experience that captures the essence of the album's innovative spirit.
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Summertime — Blake transforms this classic standard into a contemplative piece, highlighting his unique phrasing and emotional depth while maintaining the song's familiar contours.
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Evil Blues — This track stands out for its raw emotional expression and intricate improvisation, showcasing Blake's talent for merging blues influences with jazz sensibilities.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- haunting reflections on quiet evenings
- intimate moments with minimalist piano
- thoughtful improvisations for deep concentration
- evocative soundscapes for rainy days
Maybe skip if you
- seeking energetic party atmosphere
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1962, The Newest Sound Around marked Ran Blake's debut album, establishing him as a distinctive voice in the jazz avant-garde movement. At this point, Blake was already known for his innovative piano style and had begun to carve out a niche that combined traditional jazz with contemporary influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Paul Bley· Bill Evans· Keith Jarrett
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
The poignant shift from a minor to major tonality evokes a sense of yearning and hope amidst despair.
This tonal shift emphasizes the duality of sorrow and optimism inherent in the song, illustrating Blake's skill in transforming emotional narratives through musical structure.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Laura 5:12
- 2 Blue Monk 4:48
- 3 Church on Russell Street 3:13
- 4 Where Flamingos Fly 4:17
- 5 Season in the Sun 2:30
- 6 Summertime 4:33
- 7 Lover Man 5:16
- 8 Evil Blues 3:08
- 9 Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child 2:46
- 10 When Sunny Gets Blue 4:54
- 11 Love Isn’t Everything 1:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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