Walking Shadows
57 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A lush exploration of jazz standards, blending intricate melodies with a modern sensibility and emotive saxophone lines.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Lush Life — This track captures the essence of melancholy through its poignant arrangement and Redman's emotive saxophone, elevating it beyond a simple cover.
-
→
Stardust — Redman's interpretation of this classic showcases his lyrical improvisation, intertwining nostalgia with fresh melodic ideas that breathe new life into the standard.
-
→
Stop This Train — The combination of contemplative themes and intricate harmonies makes this track stand out, reflecting a deep personal connection to the material.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe blend of jazz standards with string arrangements creates a distinct sound, showcasing Redman's evolution as an artist.
What we noticed
- The album features a string quartet accompanying the saxophone, creating a rich texture that blends classical and jazz elements.
- Each track is arranged to allow for extended improvisation, with the saxophone often taking the lead while strings provide harmonic support.
- Several tracks, such as 'Lush Life' and 'Stardust', reinterpret classic jazz standards with unique melodic variations and modern phrasing.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
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
- steady melodic exploration
- intimate late-night listening
- reflective moments of solitude
- emotive saxophone storytelling
- warm, lush sonic textures
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Walking Shadows is Joshua Redman's first album with a string quartet and showcases his evolution as an artist. This album follows his acclaimed work on the Grammy-nominated album Compass and marks a shift towards more introspective arrangements, highlighting his versatility in interpreting classic jazz tunes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brad Mehldau· Chris Potter· Kurt Rosenwinkel
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Folks Who Live on the Hill 4:00
- 2 Lush Life 6:42
- 3 Stop This Train 4:42
- 4 Adagio 3:14
- 5 Easy Living 5:31
- 6 Doll Is Mine 5:55
- 7 Infant Eyes 5:05
- 8 Let It Be 5:12
- 9 Final Hour 2:42
- 10 Last Glimpse of Gotham 3:26
- 11 Stardust 5:50
- 12 Let Me Down Easy 4:55
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.