Here are some albums that you should check out!
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Eric Dolphy
Eric Dolphy: Out There (f. Ron Carter on bass) – his 2nd album as a band leader and some generally more “accessible” groundwork before he broke down all the doors with “Out To Lunch” four years later.
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Bill Evans
Bill Evans: Waltz For Debby (recorded live at The Village vanguard days before legendary bassist Scott LaFaro passed away) – Amazingly intimate, emotive sessions by a trio that could take you to another world. Amazing to hear the sound of the people clapping at the end of the tracks. To think that this heavenly art was available and happening and so few people were there.
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Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Roland Kirk: We Free Kings – His story alone is one for the ages: blindness, the dream/vision and playing three horns at once. You have to hear this to believe it.
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Art Blakey
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers: Moanin - A drummer as band leader with the fabulous and under-appreciated Lee Morgan on trumpet. All tracks are great on this legendary session.
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Sonny Rollins
Sonny Rollins: Saxophone Colossus (f Max Roach on the skins) – the album that elevated “Newk” to the tenor major leagues.
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John Coltrane
John Coltrane: Giant Steps – Buy this if you always wanted to know what all the fuss was about… And, if you want to see why he became the most important saxophonist of his generation and one of the great visionaries who began to take jazz and music into the highest, most spiritually experimental places, also see his album called “A Love Supreme”
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Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery
Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery: The Dynamic Duo – A cool jazz marriage made in heaven! Featuring Jimmy’s Hammond B3 and Wes’ inimitable, octave-driven sound. Waaaaaaaaayyyy cool, baby.
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Miles Davis
Miles Davis & Gil Evans: Sketches Of Spain – Third stream indeed! One of the most soul-stirring marriages of the jazz soloist with supporting orchestra ever. Gil and Miles were really something else. Others tried to do similar things, but no one touched these guys… well, except…
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Charles Mingus
Charles Mingus: Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus – Legendary bassist? Yes. Accomplished pianist? Yes. Known eccentric and bi-polar personality? Oh, yes. One of the greatest composers of the 20th century? Y E S . That is Mingus’ truest legacy. This album is just a beginning of the depths at which one should explore Mingus.
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It is my hope that you will experience these albums for yourself soon, and that they will speak to you as they have to me.
: )
