What makes Understanding by Wallace Roney notable?

Understanding received critical acclaim for its sophisticated compositions and Roney's virtuosic trumpet skills, contributing to the ongoing evolution of modern jazz. The album solidified Roney's position as a significant figure in the genre and was noted for its exploration of complex themes such as personal growth and social awareness. Released in 2013, Understanding marked Wallace Roney's return to the forefront of jazz after a period of relative quiet following his acclaimed album, Mystikal. At this stage in his career, Roney was establishing himself as a mentor and bandleader, showcasing new talent while continuing to develop his own unique voice influenced by the legacy of Miles Davis.

Who is Understanding for?

Understanding works well if you're into intricate melodies that invite exploration, long-form pieces for deep engagement and expressive improvisation that captivates attention.

How many songs are on Understanding?

Understanding has 8 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

Understanding

Wallace Roney · 2013

58 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant exploration of post-bop jazz, seamlessly blending intricate melodies with expressive improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Understanding — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, intertwining contemplative melodies with dynamic improvisational exchanges that showcase Roney's mastery.
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Search for Peace — This track features a tranquil yet probing dialogue between instruments, reflecting Roney's quest for inner harmony amidst external chaos.
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Gaslight — With its driving rhythms and standout solos, Gaslight exemplifies Roney's ability to blend traditional jazz elements with contemporary flair.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album combines sophisticated compositions with strong improvisational elements, marking Roney's significant return to jazz.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a slow build-up, gradually introducing the full ensemble before diving into intricate solos.
Each track showcases extended improvisation sections where the trumpet leads, often accompanied by complex rhythmic patterns from the rhythm section.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intricate melodies that invite exploration
long-form pieces for deep engagement
expressive improvisation that captivates attention
reflective moments for thoughtful listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2013, Understanding marked Wallace Roney's return to the forefront of jazz after a period of relative quiet following his acclaimed album, Mystikal. At this stage in his career, Roney was establishing himself as a mentor and bandleader, showcasing new talent while continuing to develop his own unique voice influenced by the legacy of Miles Davis.
Stylistic neighbors: Roy Hargrove· Terence Blanchard· Nicholas Payton

Tracklist

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

1 Understanding 6:56
2 Is That So? 5:47
3 Search for Peace 8:07
4 Gaslight 6:52
5 Red Lantern 7:43
6 Kotra 7:08
7 Combustible 8:21
8 You Taught My Heart to Sing? 8:01

What to play next

Listen next

A Place in Time

2016

Go back to

Home

2012

Full Wallace Roney discography Artists like Wallace Roney

post-bop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata