Top tracks — play these first
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Shazam — Opening with a catchy melody and lively tempo, this track exemplifies Cohn's ability to blend melodic lines with rhythmic complexity, setting the tone for the album.
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Don't Worry 'bout Me — Cohn’s interpretation of this standard showcases his emotive playing style and deep sense of phrasing, adding a refreshing dimension to a well-known tune.
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Blues for the High Brow — This track highlights Cohn's mastery of blues inflections within jazz, illustrating his capacity for expressive depth while maintaining an engaging groove.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate saxophone arrangements and strong improvisation, marking it as a notable work in small group jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered saxophone harmonies, with multiple players often engaging in call-and-response patterns.
- Several tracks incorporate complex rhythmic shifts, creating a dynamic interplay between the saxophones and rhythm section.
- The arrangement allows for extended improvisational sections, particularly evident in tracks like 'Blues for the High Brow' where solos are prominent.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- playful improvisation in short bursts
- vibrant saxophone harmonies throughout
- light-hearted background for gatherings
- easy-going tracks for relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- want intense, heavy compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 1956, Al Cohn was already an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his work with the Woody Herman band and collaborations with other jazz legends. 'The Sax Section' came during a prolific period for Cohn, following his acclaimed album 'You 'n' Me' from 1955, showcasing his signature style as both a soloist and an arranger.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Zoot Sims· Stan Getz· Lester Young
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Shazam 2:55
- 2 The Mellow Side 2:36
- 3 Shutout 2:44
- 4 Double Fracture 2:48
- 5 While My Lady Sleeps (Bronisław Kaper, Gus Kahn) 3:15
- 6 Shorty George (Count Basie, Andy Gibson) 2:50
- 7 The Return of the Red Head 3:29
- 8 Villa Rowboats 2:23
- 9 Solsville 3:24
- 10 Don't Worry 'bout Me (Rube Bloom, Ted Koehler) 3:39
- 11 Blues for the High Brow 3:54
- 12 Tears by Me Out the Heart 4:28
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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