Underground Memoirs
Cedar Walton · 2005
53 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of jazz textures woven with intricate melodies and heartfelt improvisations that evoke deep emotional resonance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Everytime We Say Goodbye — This track highlights Walton's ability to convey profound emotion through nuanced piano phrasing, making it a standout rendition of the classic standard.
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Lost April — With its flowing melody and intricate harmonies, this composition showcases Walton's lyrical style and adept improvisational skills.
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Underground Memoirs — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album, featuring dynamic interplay among musicians that reflects Walton's deep jazz roots.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album features intricate compositions and skilled improvisation, making it a solid entry in Walton's discography.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of intricate piano melodies that intertwine with the rhythm section, creating a layered texture throughout.
- Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing for spontaneous expression and interaction among the musicians.
- The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down to create contrasting moods.
- 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
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
- heartfelt improvisations that resonate
- rich melodies for reflective moments
- sophisticated sounds for intimate gatherings
- evocative themes for quiet evenings
- engaging narratives throughout the album
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Underground Memoirs is Cedar Walton's first studio album after a five-year hiatus, released in 2005. By this time, Walton had established himself as a prominent figure in jazz, known for his work with legends like Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. This album marks a return to form, showcasing his signature blend of bebop and post-bop influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- McCoy Tyner· Chick Corea· Bill Evans
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Everytime We Say Goodbye
The bridge introduces a haunting change in tempo that shifts the emotional weight, creating a moment of introspection amidst the lush arrangement.
This structural choice emphasizes the contrast between longing and acceptance, enhancing the song's thematic complexity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Milestones 4:26
- 2 Lost April 6:50
- 3 Someday My Prince Will Come 4:38
- 4 Con Alma 4:06
- 5 Skylark 4:50
- 6 Everytime We Say Goodbye 6:25
- 7 On Green Dolphin Street 5:55
- 8 Underground Memoirs 5:53
- 9 Sophisticated Lady 5:46
- 10 I Want to Talk About You 4:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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