Jazz is known as the Great American Music. Originating in the early 20th century- it is considered one of the most important forms of music. Initially borrowing influences from blues and ragtime music- Jazz is perhaps one of the most diverse genres of music- spawning several sub-genres and influencing numerous others.
Over the years, Jazz has seen several stylistic changes, ranging from big band, smooth jazz, bebop, hardbop, etc. A significant part of jazz is the artistic freedom from the conventional styles of Western Music, incorporating improvisation, fusion with other genres, and various instruments.
Often labelled as the thinking man’s music, a normal Jazz Group may consist of Keyboards, Guitars, Bass, Saxophone, Drums or other percussion instruments.
It is impossible to encompass the entire world of Jazz Music within a few notable albums. Jazz is too diverse for that. Here is a list of 10 critically acclaimed albums for enthusiasts to delve into the world of Jazz.
Heavy Weather(Columbia Records)
Weather Report
Weather Report had a tumultuous time and suffered several line-up changes throughout their career spanning 15 years. The co-founders Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter were the only constant members of the fusion band.
Primarily known for the antics of Jaco Pastorius who was arguably the greatest jazz bassist of all time- Weather Report’s 1977 album Heavy Weather showcased the fretless bass wizardry and superb songwriting and compositional skills of Jaco, combined with Zawinul’s quirky keyboard lines.
Heavy Weather is one of the most renowned Jazz albums from the Weather Report’s catalogue of 14 albums.
Key tracks: Birdland, Havona, Teen Town.
John Coltrane And Thelonious Monk: At Carnegie Hall (Blue Note)
John Coltrane And Thelonious Monk
Two Jazz Legends. Both supreme masters in improvisation. John Coltrane and Thelonius Monk played together for a charity concert in the month of November 1957. The master tape of the live recording was initially lost. But it was later found lying in the US State Congress Vaults in 2005.
The well-preserved recording was is a perfect demonstration of the two legends at the peak of their creative heights, accompanied by bassist Ahmed Abdul-Malik and drummer Shadow Wilson.
Key tracks: Blue Monk, Monk’s Mood, Crepuscule with Nellie.
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Jazz keyboard extraordinaire Herbie Hancock was at the helm of several landmark Jazz albums throughout his career. The gifted composer and big band leader reinvented himself in his 1973 album- Head Hunters which topped the US Jazz Charts.
Influenced by Sly Stone and Curtis Mayfield, the album incorporated healthy doses of both funk and jazz. The funky drumming should keep even the newbies grooving.
There are also ample amounts of experimentation going on throughout the album- with out-of-the-world synth lines superbly supported by the legendary Paul Jackson on bass and Harvey Mason on drums. The album helped position the status of Herbie Hancock as a Jazz and Fusion Superstar.
Key Tracks: Chameleon, Watermelon Man, Sly.
Benny Goodman: At Carnegie Hall (Columbia Records)
Benny Goodman
The famed Benny Goodman was the first jazz musician to perform at a respected classical music concert auditorium. The King of Swing performed at the Carnegie Hall on January 16, 1938, backed by members from Duke Ellington’s band and Count Basie’s band.
However, the renowned clarinettist was initially dismal of the venue, worried about the negative reception. His fears were proven unnecessary as the show was later declared as a major cultural event. Along with new material, Benny also included ragtime and Dixieland tunes within his set, teaching the crazed audience a lesson in the history of Jazz.
Key Tracks: Sing, Sing, Sing (With A Swing), Don’t Be That Way, Shine.
The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery (Riverside Records)
Wes Montgomery
Fans of music, know Wes Montgomery as one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all times. Though heavily inspired by Charlie Christian, he himself had crafted a unique signature style.
His third album, titled The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery, was the one that put him in the map of Jazz all-time greats. His music back-up would include his brother Albert Montgomery on the drums, who was known for his solid rhythm.
A part of Modern Jazz Quartet fame, Percy Heath on the Bass and Tommy Flanagan on the piano. The album consisted of several original tunes along with covers and Jazz Standards.
Key Track: Four On Six, West Coast Blues, Mr Walker.
The Inner Mounting Flame (Jazz Album by Columbia Records)
The Mahavishnu Orchestra With John McLaughlin
Jhonn McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra had taken the world by storm when they released their debut studio album The Inner Flame during the end of the 1960s.
The Maestro of Jazz fusion who would later collaborate with the great Jazz artist Miles Davis in the album “In A Silent Way” and “Bitches Brew.” Both of these albums would go on to receive global recognition in the Jazz Fusion genre. John McLaughlin formed The Mahavishnu Orchestra which combined frenetic jazz improvisation with high powered heavy rock and elements of Indian Carnatic Music.
The album was leagues ahead in terms of innovation and Originality, in comparison to other albums from the Contemporary Jazz-Fusion world.
The album was a devastating concoction of soaring distorted guitar wizardry, ably supported by violin over complex time signatures. Many music fans, however, would go on to review this album as pretentious and over-indulgent. The album was able to stand the test of time and is a shockingly good listen till this date.
Key Tracks: The Dance of Maya, A Lotus on Irish Streams, Awakening.
Giant Steps (Jazz Album by Atlantic Records)
John Coltrane
When it comes down to this genre of music, fans consider the 1960 release, Giant Steps as a quintessential Jazz album. Saxophonist John Coltrane had switched to a bigger label, Atlantic Recordings and for the first time in his career, he had recorded an album full of original materials.
Known for pushing bebop to unknown grounds, fans would consider this album as one of Coltrane’s adventurous musical foray. The title track – Giant steps is quite difficult when one compares it in accordance to Jazz Standards.
The song’s cyclical chord progression derives its name from the man himself (the Coltrane Change). The band also consisted of Tommy Flanagan on keys(replaced by Wynton Kelly on Naima), Paul Chambers on bass and Art Taylor on drums.
Key Tracks: Giant Steps, Naima, Cousin Mary.
Birth Of The Cool (Capitol Records)
Miles Davis
Miles Davis had always been adventurous in terms of approach and innovation in music. Miles had decided to explore a musical genre that was not only elegant but relatively easy to listen, compared to overly complex forms of music such as bebop and hardbop.
The result manifested in the form of Birth of The Cool. In terms of popularity, fans consider this album as one of the foundation stones of smooth and Cool Jazz that had taken over Bebop jazz. He was accompanied by many notable musicians, including saxophonists Lee Konitz and Gerry Mulligan and drummers Max Roach and Kenny Clarke.
Key Tracks: Boplicity, Venus De Milo, Jeru.
Bitches Brew (Jazz album by Columbia Records)
Miles Davis
During the end of the 1970s, the super-productive Miles Davis felt the urge to change his musical direction.
Teaming up with John McLaughlin on Guitar, and three keyboardists(Joe Zawinul, Chick Corea and Larry Young), the jazz trumpeter forged a double-album that would serve as the blueprint for Jazz Fusion throughout the 1970s.
There were heavy post-production edits, with Teo Macero in charge of Miles Davis’ production. But Bitches Brew remains an everlastingly refreshing and original sound- even at almost half a century old.
Key Track: Spanish Key, Pharoah’s Dance, Miles runs the Voodoo
Mingus Ah Um (Jazz album by Columbia Records)
Charles Mingus
The legendary double bassist Charles Mingus was famous in the musical world not only for his prodigious skill in song composition but also his fiery temper. He had forged a unique style combining Bebop with apocalyptic Blues and fusing them with a splash of Gospel sensitivity.
His 1959 debut release probably the best album released during the 50s and early 60s. The lineup consisted of notable musicians like Dannie Richmond(drums), Horace Parlan(piano), Jimmy Knepper and Willie Dennis on trombone. It also included Shafi Hadi, Booker Ervin and John Handy on Tenor Sax and Alto Sax. There are several notable jazz standards in the album.
Key Tracks: Goodbye Pork Pie Hat, Fables Of Faubus, Better Git It In Your Soul.