Want to get into something and not sure where to start? Here are some suggestions for 10 pieces to checkout to dive into any topics.
If you're looking to start listening to jazz music, here are ten essential albums that span a range of styles and eras within the genre. These albums were chosen for their impact on the genre, musical influence, and cultural significance.
Louis Armstrong - "Hot Fives and Sevens" (1925)
Louis Armstrong's recordings with his Hot Five and Hot Seven groups in the 1920s are considered some of the most important in jazz history. These recordings established Armstrong as a virtuosic trumpet player and improviser, and helped to define the sound of jazz as we know it today.
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Duke Ellington - "Ellington at Newport" (1956)
Duke Ellington's performance at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival is one of the most famous in jazz history. The album captures the energy and excitement of the performance, which featured an extended version of 'Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue' that brought the crowd to its feet.
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Charlie Parker - "Bird and Diz" (1950)
Saxophonist Charlie Parker was one of the most influential musicians in the history of jazz, and 'Bird and Diz' captures him at the peak of his powers. The album features Parker's collaboration with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, and showcases the virtuosic improvisation and bebop style that they helped to pioneer.
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Miles Davis - "Kind of Blue" (1959)
Miles Davis's 'Kind of Blue' is one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time, and for good reason. The album's modal jazz style and iconic solos have made it a cornerstone of jazz education and a must-listen for anyone interested in the genre.
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John Coltrane - "A Love Supreme" (1964)
John Coltrane's 'A Love Supreme' is a spiritual masterpiece that showcases the saxophonist's virtuosic playing and deep spirituality. The album's four-part suite is a meditation on God and the universe, and is considered one of the greatest jazz recordings of all time.
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Thelonious Monk - "Brilliant Corners" (1957)
Pianist Thelonious Monk was one of the most original and idiosyncratic voices in jazz, and 'Brilliant Corners' captures him at his best. The album's complex compositions and intricate arrangements showcase Monk's unique approach to harmony and rhythm.
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Charles Mingus - "Mingus Ah Um" (1959)
Bassist and composer Charles Mingus was known for his larger-than-life personality and his innovative approach to jazz composition. 'Mingus Ah Um' features some of his most famous compositions, including 'Better Git It in Your Soul' and 'Goodbye Pork Pie Hat'.
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Bill Evans Trio - "Sunday at the Village Vanguard" (1961)
Pianist Bill Evans was known for his introspective and impressionistic approach to jazz, and 'Sunday at the Village Vanguard' is considered one of his finest recordings. The album features Evans's trio with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian, and showcases their telepathic interplay and sensitive interpretation of standards.
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Ornette Coleman - "The Shape of Jazz to Come" (1959)
Saxophonist and composer Ornette Coleman was one of the pioneers of free jazz, a style that emphasized improvisation and eschewed traditional harmonic structures. 'The Shape of Jazz to Come' is considered one of the defining recordings of the genre, and features Coleman's quartet with trumpeter Don Cherry, bassist Charlie Haden, and drummer Billy Higgins.
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Herbie Hancock - "Head Hunters" (1973)
Pianist and composer Herbie Hancock's 'Head Hunters' marked a departure from his earlier acoustic jazz work and is considered one of the defining albums of jazz-funk fusion. The album features the hit single 'Chameleon' and showcases Hancock's use of electronic instruments and funk grooves.
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These albums were chosen for their influence on jazz as a whole and their cultural significance. Together, they offer a diverse overview of the many styles and approaches to jazz that have emerged over the past century. By listening to these albums, you can gain an appreciation for the history and evolution of jazz, and discover the unique voices of some of the genre's greatest musicians.
| Louis Armstrong | Hot Fives and Sevens | apple | youtube | spotify | tidal |
| Duke Ellington | Ellington at Newport | apple | youtube | spotify | tidal |
| Charlie Parker | Bird and Diz | apple | youtube | spotify | tidal |
| Miles Davis | Kind of Blue | apple | youtube | spotify | tidal |
| John Coltrane | A Love Supreme | apple | youtube | spotify | tidal |
| Thelonious Monk | Brilliant Corners | apple | youtube | spotify | tidal |
| Charles Mingus | Mingus Ah Um | apple | youtube | spotify | tidal |
| Bill Evans Trio | Sunday at the Village Vanguard | apple | youtube | spotify | tidal |
| Ornette Coleman | The Shape of Jazz to Come | apple | youtube | spotify | tidal |
| Herbie Hancock | Head Hunters | apple | youtube | spotify | tidal |