John Coltrane – Crescent
I have heard many musicians choose this as one of their favorite Trane
recordings. For me it is as if the solos were written out--they are perfect in
form, logic and full of passion. Also the stellar rhythm section attains a feel
that is unique to them and among the most relaxed and swinging ever recorded.
John Coltrane - Live at Birdland
Until the many bootlegs were released, this recording along with Live at The
Village Vanguard captured at least a bit of what it was like to see the group
live, which I did many times. Remember, an LP was limited in duration, but on
here, the soprano sax tracks (The Promise and Afro Blue) are incredible in their
intensity.
Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
Getting a lot of attention now as it should, this album both sums up the
recent history of jazz to that time and looks ahead. Using the basic root of
jazz which is the blues, set in a homogenous mood throughout and featuring some
of the greatest soloists ever at their peak, this deserves to be the
"milestone" it is.
Miles Davis - Sketches of Spain
This is my favorite all time recording across all idioms of music, beyond
category. For me, music achieves its greatest success when it captures and
portrays a vivid picture and feeling. Gil and Miles hit the mother lode here in
an almost non-jazz way using their own vernacular and language to paint a
picture of a rich and varied culture.
Miles Davis - Four and More
It is Miles and in particular the rhythm section which was made up of
Williams, Hancock and Carter-all young and ready to burn-which excels. The live
feeling is captured here and if anything, Miles was the quintessence of the
spontaneous player who encouraged his bands to let things happen. Also among the
fastest tempos you will hear!!
Wayne Shorter - Speak No Evil
Wayne is for me THE composer of our recent period as the compositions here
demonstrate. They are melodic, intensely harmonic and challenging. The group of
Hubbard, Jones, Carter, Hancock and Wayne play seamlessly with great interest
and swinging ever so hard.
Bill Evans - Sunday at the Village Vanguard
The group portrays a mood so strong that it is almost unnerving on this live
recording. Delicacy, spontaneity, incredible group communication and some of the
most gorgeous harmony ever played by the classic example of the modern piano
trio.
Sonny Rollins - A Night at the Village Vanguard
Once again at the Village Vanguard which obviously was a delight for
musicians to play in, along with Elvin Jones and Wilbur Ware, the sheer power
and creativity of probably the greatest all around saxophonist who ever played
is astounding on the recording. And you can just feel the spontaneity happening.
Herbie Hancock - Maiden Voyage
Without being consciously programmatic, Maiden Voyage like Sketches of Spain
creates a strong image through the highly sophisticated compositions and group
approach of the players. Dolphin Dance and Maiden Voyage are classic
compositions for different reasons, but in essence this is pure Hancock with his
unique sense of harmony clearly demonstrated.
McCoy Tyner - The Real McCoy
Yet another recording with Elvin Jones from the list, with Carter and Joe
Hen along with McCoy, this is a burning real JAZZ album. The compositions are
built for out and out blowing and to swing. It is Tyner's revolutionary approach
to harmony and melody which comes through very strong here.