Ten or so Must Have Jazz Albums... Listen to the Music

O.K. Jazz lovers and newcomers alike...these are my 10 must have albums that I feel are "must haves" in your music collection. Some mignt not agree with my selections, but it is not meant to be a top ten, but a list (more to be added) of labels I chose.

When looking across the spectrum of music I have collected over the years I wanted to emphasis these jazz giants music as something very rare, special and exhibitions or expression of the greatest in each recording. Music recordings are timeless. They help us venture back to memories and points in our lives where events occured. They help us transition from one point in history to another through sound, beat and explosions of musical instruments. Music is a healing force, a buffer, a hidden place to be at times.

There were so many great albums to chose from and I sure this list should be expanded to include many more...but I wanted to start out with this list and expand later. This list does however express my "must have" list of albums which include the most dynamic and important contributions to jazz ever recorded.

These recordings are certainly in my rack...

One of the greatest live jazz recording of all time. A "must have" in your collection is this timeless album. Check it out!

The great Duke Ellington "sat in" with the great John Coltrane's Quartet for a set in 1962 playing primarily Dukes songs. What a recording! A must must!

A genius recording by one the most influential jazz artist of our time. This priceless album is a must for anyone interested in this legend's music. This recording will be played over endless periods of time by myself and others. I would not have made it through many of my college courses if John Coltrane's " My Favorite Things" had not been playing on my "record player" into the wee hours of the morning...Thank you John Coltrane...this was my favorite thing!

Rack it!

In the genius of John Coltrane this is a classic recording and is a "must have" for your rack. In the tradition of "My Favorite Things" this one helped me as well when studying or just plain relaxing at home with the headphones on listening to his music.

Rack it!

Miles's Kind of Blue is a of classic album and the most restful, peaceful, yet high intensity albums I have ever heard. Just as you settle back with Miles, he transitions into rapid fire expressions that have you spellbound for the entire album. This is a must have...as all Miles recording are... this is the genius of Miles at his best. Kind of Blue? You bet!

Rack it!

What makes this album so special is the uniqueness of these two geniuses recording together at this legendary event and performing before a truly great crowd. Anyone who attended the Newport jazz festival that night and listened to the music live...I'm sure were ecstatic afterwards. I wish I could have been there...however this recording and putting it in my collection is the best I was able to do.

I'm certainly glad I have it in the rack. LP & CD...not taking any chances.

Thelonious Monk is considered one of the most important and influential jazz artist of our time. Unique, improvisational style, renegade spirit has made this giant a must for your jazz collection.

This Underground recording by Monk is ancient but has a classic "touch" for albums that makes the list of "must haves". I love the album cover which somewhat defines what you expect to hear within when listening to this great recording.

Rack It!

If there was any album that brought me to jazz...this is the one. Not necessarily because it is the best of Wes, but because it was the first jazz album I actual bought. The first in my jazz collection. I still have the original that I purchased in the 60's. I'm sure glad I passed up buying that burger and instead spent my money on this classic.

Rack It!

This album is a "must have" period.

Lee Morgan on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor sax, Grant Green on guitar, Herbie Hancock on piano, Reginald Workman on bass and Billy Higgins on drums...enough said!

Rack It!

What a fun album...you will thoroughly enjoy this classic recording. Cannonball and brother Nat will mesmerize you and entertain with this spectacular set. I couldn't wait to tear the plastic off this album cover and set it on the turntable.

Mercy...please rack!

I did say 10 or so "must have" albums...so this is # 11 I know...but this is one great album. Impromptu collaboration of the Les McCann Trio with horn players Eddie Harris & Benny Baily recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival 1969.

Check it out and rack it!