What makes The Power of Positive Swinging by Bob Brookmeyer notable?

This album stands out for its inventive compositions and arrangements, contributing significantly to the evolution of modern jazz. Upon release, it received critical acclaim and helped solidify Brookmeyer's reputation as a pivotal figure in the jazz world, influencing subsequent generations of musicians. Released in 1965, The Power of Positive Swinging was Bob Brookmeyer's first album as a leader after years of collaboration with prominent jazz figures like Gerry Mulligan. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from sideman to bandleader, asserting his unique voice in the jazz landscape.

Who is The Power of Positive Swinging for?

The Power of Positive Swinging works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long immersive listening sessions and playful and intricate melodies.

How many songs are on The Power of Positive Swinging?

The Power of Positive Swinging has 9 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

The Power of Positive Swinging

Bob Brookmeyer · 1965

43 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of traditional jazz and innovative arrangements, showcasing Brookmeyer's signature flugelhorn stylings and playful swing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ode to a Flugelhorn — This track exemplifies Brookmeyer's mastery of the flugelhorn, blending lyrical melodies with intricate harmonies that showcase his innovative approach to jazz instrumentation.
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Dancing on the Grave — With its upbeat tempo and clever arrangement, this track captures the playful spirit of the album while highlighting Brookmeyer’s skillful improvisation.
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Simple Waltz — The melodic simplicity paired with sophisticated harmonic progressions demonstrates Brookmeyer's ability to create emotionally resonant music without unnecessary complexity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

Brookmeyer's inventive compositions and arrangements mark a significant contribution to modern jazz.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of flugelhorn as the lead instrument, with intricate arrangements that highlight its tonal qualities.
Several pieces incorporate call-and-response patterns between the flugelhorn and rhythm section, enhancing the conversational quality of the music.

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: 8/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
long immersive listening sessions
playful and intricate melodies
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1965, The Power of Positive Swinging was Bob Brookmeyer's first album as a leader after years of collaboration with prominent jazz figures like Gerry Mulligan. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from sideman to bandleader, asserting his unique voice in the jazz landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Gerry Mulligan· Thad Jones· Bob Mintzer