One of the most pleasurable vocal-jazz albums of all time.
Grade: A
The Astaire Story – Fred Astaire
Seeing is believing.
Grade: B
This Modern World – Stan Kenton
One of Stan Kenton’s most outre LPs; one of his best.
Grade: A
New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm – Stan Kenton
Stan Kenton finally adds a little emotion and humanism to his music, which makes for his most upbeat and welcoming LP.
Grade: A-
Jazz at Massey Hall – The Quintet
Perhaps the first “landmark” concert recording.
Grade: A
The Duke Plays Ellington – Duke Ellington
My all-time favorite Duke Ellington LP.
Grade: A
Introducing Paul Bley – Paul Bley
A semi-confident debut from a technically accomplished pianist.
Grade: A-
Doris Day
Blondie with the pretty face can act, and sing too. Discography Lullaby of Broadway (1951) B On Moonlight Bay (1951) B I’ll See You In My Dreams (1951) B+
The Music of 1953
Reviews for albums released in 1953 can be found below. The album reviews are categorized by genre and alphabetical order. Top 10 Albums of 1953 Jazz Introducing Paul Bley (Paul Bley) A- Jazz at Oberlin (Dave Brubeck Quartet) A Blue Period (Miles Davis) A- Miles Davis Volume 2 (Miles Davis) A- The Duke Plays Ellington (Duke Ellington) A Jazz at Massey Hall (The Quintet) A New Concepts […]
Top 10 Albums of 1952
My picks for the best albums of 1952.
Johnnie Ray: Underrated as Shit
Johnnie Ray’s charismatic vocals are an early antecedent to rock’n’roll.
Grade: A-
Billie Holiday Sings – Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday’s debut album is an essential LP for fans of the idiosyncratic crooner.
Grade: A-
