Fine list. You wouldn’t be wrong to call that ambition epic.” Jazz might be saved by this generation with Washington leading the charge, and with his good friend Thundercat by his side. The same with jazz music. Period. Grant Green Matador (1964) A document of the superlative guitarist’s prime post-bop period before venturing into the soul jazz sound that would comprise his later career, featuring a spectacular band including pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Bob Cranshaw, and drummer Elvin Jones. I can vouch for the following as a entry point to discover & broaden musical tastes and boundaries. I get Giant Steps, but A Love Supreme by Coltrane is right there with Kind of Blue and should be on this list as well. Ok that claim may be a little strong, but for those of you who have never ventured into the exquisite world of Jazz (or for those needing affirmation on their collection) we at ManMade have put together this list of the all-time greats, plus a guide on why and how to enjoy them. When you're invited to someone's house and take a look at the record collection, what do you want to see? A must-have, even if you’ve never considered yourself interested in the genre Yussef and Kamaal call home. This album is the essence of jazz vocals. That is most people’s introduction to the entire genre, let alone (arguably) the finest jazz record ever recorded! This tune, "Receipt, Please" was composed by the bassist and demonstrates the undeniable telepathy these two masters shared. The track below, "As We Used To Sing," is a showcase for the whisper-to-a-scream dynamics of Sharrock's writing and a guitar tone that cuts like shards of glass. The soundtrack of New York City's bachelor pads in the 60's. Top of any list I could possibly shoehorn it into (but not for Blue 7 as it turns out). Django ReinhardtThe Best of Django Reinhardt This Blue Note collection spanning the career of the jazz manouche innovator is essential listening for all guitarists and jazz fans, containing his most famous and representative songs. The most influential jazz album there is. There so many other great albums, but you listed some really good ones. The soundtrack of New York City's bachelor pads in the 60's. That's not really the purpose of this post, and not what we're recommending. It’s accessible, it’s moving, and it’s unmistakably Hancock’s best. Pat Metheny Bright Size Life (1976) The album that introduced a modern master and his enduring title theme song, featuring an early appearance by bass legend Jaco Pastorius. Listen to These 10 Albums First Ellington at Newport by Duke Ellington (1956). @Chris But that's the point. But what about an artist you never heard of? This is the internet generation reaching back to an nearly-lost art form, making it relevant and exciting for a new generation.

24. “Speak No Evil” shed Shorter of his Coltrane shadow, even as he performed as a member of Miles Davis’ second quintet.

A good list! Moanin' – Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers. Why not treat yourself to this essential guide to the best jazz albums in the history of recorded time – bar none? Ben Monder Oceana (2005) The virtuosic avant-garde guitarist’s singular approach is well documented on this session, which is deep, unfathomable, enveloping, and cinematically evocative. And coming back to the exchange by Chris and Fred: this list is wide enough to provide a headstart as well as the core of a more personal jazz 'collection'. An older Davis rejects typical jazz rhythms and experiments with electric instruments and freer, rock-inspired style. The reason you want “Saxophone Colossus” in your collection is “Blue 7,” the 11-minute journey of improvisation that inspired an article titled “Sonny Rollins and the Challenge of Thematic Improvisation.” In a nutshell: The theme (aka the head) and solos are entirely improvised with Rollins managing several different motivic variations, developing them throughout the tune, then somehow unifying them along the way.