What makes The Swingin'est by Bennie Green notable?

The Swingin'est is significant for its influence on the hard-bop genre, highlighting Green's virtuosic trombone playing alongside a stellar lineup. It received positive critical acclaim, exemplifying the vibrant jazz scene of the late 1950s and contributing to Green's reputation as an essential figure in jazz. When Bennie Green released The Swingin'est in 1958, he was establishing himself as a prominent trombonist in the jazz scene. This album followed his earlier work with notable artists like Max Roach and showcased his unique voice in a burgeoning hard-bop landscape.

How many songs are on The Swingin'est?

The Swingin'est has 9 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

The Swingin'est

Bennie Green · 1958

32 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of hard-bop rhythms and soulful brass melodies that invite listeners to dance along.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Juggin' Around — This opening track sets the energetic tone for the album with its infectious groove and showcases Green's skillful improvisation on the trombone.
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Sermonette — A standout composition that highlights Green's lyrical style, blending soulful melodies with intricate harmonies that resonate deeply throughout the track.
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Going South — With its extended length, this track allows for dynamic solos and interplay among musicians, illustrating the collaborative spirit of jazz during this era.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and vibrant performances but loses cohesion with alternate takes disrupting the flow.

What we noticed

The first five tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo swing, while the last four tracks include alternate takes that disrupt the flow.
Each track prominently features the trombone, with Green's solos often trading off with brass and rhythm sections.
The album maintains a lively energy throughout, with rhythmic variations that encourage movement and engagement.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Sermonette

The melodic line shifts unexpectedly during the bridge, introducing a deeper emotional resonance before returning to the main theme.

This structural choice enhances the narrative arc of the piece, creating a moment of introspection that enriches the overall listening experience.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Juggin' Around 6:29
2 Going South 10:42
3 Jim Dog 7:04
4 Sermonette 4:18
5 A Little Ditty 3:59
6 Swingin' For Benny
7 Juggin' Around (Alt take 1)
8 Jim Dog (Alt take 1)
9 Sermonette (Alt take 7)

What to play next

Listen next

Walkin' & Talkin'

1959

Go back to

Soul Stirrin'

1958

Full Bennie Green discography Artists like Bennie Green

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata