What makes The San Francisco Concert by Hubert Laws notable?

This album is notable for its critical acclaim, showcasing Hubert Laws' ability to merge classical compositions with jazz improvisation. The live recording format allows listeners to experience the energy of his performances, contributing to Laws' reputation as a leading figure in jazz flute. At the time of its release in 1977, Hubert Laws was establishing himself as a prominent flutist in the jazz scene, following his breakthrough album 'The Rite of Spring' in 1975. 'The San Francisco Concert' captures his dynamic stage presence and innovative style during a period when he was gaining wider recognition beyond traditional jazz audiences.

How many songs are on The San Francisco Concert?

The San Francisco Concert has 4 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

The San Francisco Concert

Hubert Laws · 1977

37 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A vibrant live jazz performance blending intricate melodies with soulful rhythms, showcasing Hubert Laws' virtuosic flute playing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Modadji — This opening track features an extended improvisational section that highlights Laws' technical skill and emotional depth, setting the tone for the entire concert.
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Feel Like Moving Love — The track incorporates a rhythmic groove that invites audience engagement, demonstrating Laws' ability to blend jazz with elements of R&B.
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Scheherazade — In this rendition, Laws interprets Rimsky-Korsakov's classic with a fresh jazz sensibility, showcasing both his versatility and the ensemble's cohesion.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisational skills and dynamic interplay, characteristic of live jazz performances.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisations, with each track exceeding eight minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
Laws' flute often interacts with a full band, creating a rich tapestry of sound that shifts dynamically throughout the performance.
The first track opens with a slow build-up before transitioning into more complex rhythms and melodies, setting an energetic tone for the concert.

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

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 Modadji 12:10
2 Feel Like Moving Love 6:16
3 Farandole 10:55
4 Scheherazade 8:18

What to play next

Listen next

Say It With Silence

1978

Go back to

Romeo & Juliet

1976

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata