Top 3 - Jazz Albums

3. Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section



Released in 1957, the story of this album is unique. Art Pepper a west coast alto saxophonist and junkie had just recently got out of prison and had been scheduled to record an album with the current rhythm section of Miles Davis' band. Art didn't know about the recording date until that morning, and he had never met Philly Joe Jones, Red Garland, or Paul Chambers, and also he hadn't played his instrument in weeks.

The result of the recording date is amazing. It is a brilliant album showcasing the talent of the east coast jazz rhythm section stepping out beyond the reigns of Miles Davis mixed with the cool west coast sounds of Art Pepper.

2. Thelonious Monk - Monk's Dream



Monk's compositions and melodies are at the top of the jazz world as far as creativity, swing, and catchiness. His own personal recordings of his own music however have always been suspect until this recording. I would describe Thelonious Monk as the Bob Dylan of Jazz. Everyone else was recording his songs and making them sound better than his own recordings. In this album released in 1963, Monk's 1st with Columbia, Monk finally found a horn player that was able to understand his music and complex playing. Most of the songs were previously recorded and written several years earlier. This album swings and takes you away on a finger snapping and toe tapping extravaganza.

1. Miles Davis - Kind of Blue



Released in 1959 is the best selling jazz album of all time. It is hard for anyone not to like this album no matter what kind of music you listen to. Miles set the scene for this album by writing only the introductions of each song, then left the rest up to pure musical improvisation. The results were unforgettable solos that serve more as melodies. I can not recommend this album enough. This will always be my number one album of all time.

Bottom Line - Jazz is for everyone. If you don't like "Kind of Blue" then I'll buy you and ice cream cone.