Traveling Miles
Cassandra Wilson · 1999
62 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of jazz that fuses traditional elements with contemporary interpretations, showcasing Wilson's soulful vocal prowess.
Top tracks — play these first
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Run the Voodoo Down — This track opens the album with a bold reinterpretation of Miles Davis' classic, featuring Wilson's evocative vocals that set the tone for the entire project.
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Traveling Miles — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album, merging lyrical storytelling with intricate instrumentation, reflecting Wilson's journey through jazz traditions.
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Time After Time — Wilson's rendition of this pop classic transforms it into a soulful jazz ballad, showcasing her ability to reinterpret familiar songs in fresh ways.
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Never Broken (ESP) — This track highlights Wilson's unique blend of jazz with elements of world music, illustrating her versatility and creative risk-taking as an artist.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, blending jazz traditions with contemporary elements.
What we noticed
- Each track varies in tempo and mood, with several pieces incorporating improvisational sections that highlight the musicians' virtuosity.
- Wilson's vocal delivery often intertwines with the instrumental arrangements, creating a dialogue rather than a traditional lead-and-support structure.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- soulful vocals for introspective moments
- rich textures for focused listening
- patient explorations of emotional depth
- late-night warmth with friends
- cathartic reflections on love
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1999, Traveling Miles marked Cassandra Wilson's fifth studio album and followed her critically acclaimed release, New Moon Daughter. At this point in her career, Wilson was solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in jazz, known for blending genres and pushing the boundaries of traditional vocal music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Diana Krall· Norah Jones· Esperanza Spalding
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Run the Voodoo Down 4:36
- 2 Traveling Miles 4:52
- 3 Right Here, Right Now 5:57
- 4 Time After Time 4:08
- 5 When the Sun Goes Down 6:05
- 6 Seven Steps 6:44
- 7 Someday My Prince Will Come 3:53
- 8 Never Broken (ESP) 5:13
- 9 Resurrection Blues (Tutu) 6:11
- 10 Sky and Sea (Blue in Green) 5:24
- 11 Piper 5:03
- 12 Voodoo Reprise 4:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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