United
Woody Shaw · 1981
40 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of hard bop and avant-garde jazz, featuring intricate solos and dynamic ensemble interplay.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
United — The title track showcases Shaw's signature trumpet style with an engaging melody that invites rich improvisation, setting the tone for the entire album.
-
→
What Is This Thing Called Love — This interpretation of the classic standard features inventive harmonic exploration and emotional depth, demonstrating Shaw's ability to transcend traditional forms.
-
→
Pressing the Issue — A highlight of rhythmic complexity, this track emphasizes collective improvisation, allowing each musician to shine while maintaining tight cohesion throughout.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic ensemble interplay
- intricate solos that captivate
- engaging late-night conversations
- vibrant rhythms for celebration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1981, 'United' marked Woody Shaw's return to recording after a brief hiatus. At this point, Shaw was establishing himself as a leading figure in jazz, following his acclaimed albums in the late 1970s. This album came after his notable work on 'Rosewood', highlighting his evolution as a composer and bandleader.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Freddie Hubbard· Arturo Sandoval· Donald Byrd
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 United 5:19
- 2 The Greene Street Caper 5:28
- 3 What Is This Thing Called Love 9:40
- 4 Pressing the Issue 7:02
- 5 Katrina Ballerina 5:37
- 6 Blues for Wood 7:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.