What does Today! sound like?

A vibrant fusion of jazz and bossa nova that blends rhythmic complexity with melodic warmth. Rooted in jazz fusion and disco. Start with "Today".

Is Today! a good place to start with Herbie Mann?

Yes, Today! is recommended as a starting point for new Herbie Mann listeners. A vibrant fusion of jazz and bossa nova that blends rhythmic complexity with melodic warmth. Released in January 1966, Today! marked Herbie Mann's artistic expansion into world music influences following his earlier jazz-centric works. This album came after Mann's successful collaboration with Brazilian musicians, showcasing a deeper integration of Latin rhythms into his sound.

Today! works well if you're into playful afternoon gatherings, smooth transitions between tracks and vibrant rhythms for socializing.

How many songs are on Today!?

Today! has 8 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Released 60 years ago

Today!

Herbie Mann · 1966

33 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and bossa nova that blends rhythmic complexity with melodic warmth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Today Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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The Creole Love Call — This track stands out for its lush orchestration and seamless blending of jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms, highlighting Mann's ability to merge diverse influences.
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Arrastao — Featuring captivating melodies and intricate rhythms, this song exemplifies Mann's exploration of Brazilian music while showcasing his flute skills.
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If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody — This cover infuses a classic pop tune with jazz sensibility, demonstrating Mann's versatility and unique interpretation style that broadens the song's appeal.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album features varied instrumentation and dynamic interplay but lacks standout compositions that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a prominent flute melody, establishing a light and airy atmosphere.
Each track showcases a different instrumentation, with varying combinations of flutes, horns, and rhythm sections that create distinct textures.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the lead instruments and the ensemble, adding a dynamic interplay throughout.
The final track features a gradual fade-out, leaving an impression of lingering sound rather than a definitive conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 afternoon gatherings
smooth transitions between tracks
vibrant rhythms for socializing
easygoing background for relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seeking intense emotional depth
preferring longer, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album popularized Brazilian music in the U.S., expanding Mann's recognition.
Themes: Brazilian rhythms· Afro-Cuban fusion· vibrant jazz landscapes
Career context: Released in January 1966, Today! marked Herbie Mann's artistic expansion into world music influences following his earlier jazz-centric works. This album came after Mann's successful collaboration with Brazilian musicians, showcasing a deeper integration of Latin rhythms into his sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Stan Getz· Weather Report