20. The Boss of the Blues
Artist: Big Joe Turner
Genre: Rhythm & Blues
Big Joe Turner popularized rhythm & blues music, and therefore set forth the course of rock ‘n’ roll history. This live recording — the final reunion between Turner and longtime pianist Pete Johnson — is a highlight of his legendary career. Continue reading…
19. Lonely Girl
Artist: Julie London
Genre: Vocal Jazz
On Lonely Girl, Julie London’s only accompaniment is an acoustic guitar played by Al Viola. It’s all she needs. A remarkable change of pace from her star-making debut, this quiet and cozy follow-up is one of the more underrated and understated artifacts from the golden age of female vocal jazz.
18. The Jazz Giants ’56
Artist: Lester Young
Genre: Bebop
1956 was somewhat of a comeback year for Lester Young. A successful European tour, combined with the release of the popular Jazz Giants LP, seemed to rejuvenate his failing health. This is one of Pres’ most relaxing efforts, which also makes it one of his best. As usual, he makes it sound easy. This is perfect, old-school bebop.
17. Sonny Rollins Plus 4
Artist: Sonny Rollins
Genre: Hard Bop
Sonny Rollins was comfortable in any lineup, able to carry the load and share the spotlight like a true team player. On Sonny Rollins Plus 4, the starting five includes Clifford Brown, Richie Powell, George Morrow and Max Roach. They unleash a dazzling display of virtuosity, with Sonny wheeling and dealing like Chris Paul in his prime. Continue reading…
16. The Unique Thelonious Monk
Artist: Thelonious Monk
Genre: Hard Bop
Thelonious Monk is worth a lot more than a three-cent stamp. Even though his signature epistrophy isn’t on full display, The Unique Thelonious Monk still dazzles with striding virtuosity. But it’s the accessibility that really makes the album unique. Continue reading…
15. Ella and Louis
Artist: Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
Genre: Vocal Jazz
Ella and Louis finds two of the most legendary jazz singers of all time finally teaming up for a full album. The LP is full of popular standards (chief among them “Moonlight in Vermont,” “April in Paris” and “Stars Fell on Alabama”), but the real pleasure is just basking in the magnetic stage presence that these two legendary performers bring. A dream pairing.
14. Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues
Artist: Odetta
Genre: Folk
On her second LP, Odetta’s folk songs reach new heights of emotion and craft. Effortlessly shifting between blues and gospel, Odetta ushered in the Civil Rights Era with her adventurous, revolutionary, operatic, salt-of-the-earth voice.
13. Lady Sings the Blues
Artist: Billie Holiday
Genre: Vocal Jazz
After two lackluster LPs (Music for Torching and Velvet Mood), late-period Billie Holiday got back on track with one of the most moving albums of her career. Sterling renditions of “God Bless the Child,” “Strange Fruit” and, of course, the title track make Lady Sings the Blues one of Lady Day’s great masterpieces.
12. Blue Serge
Artist: Serge Chaloff
Genre: Bebop
Serge Chaloff was only 32-years-old when he recorded Blue Serge, but the erratic baritone saxophonist was already close to the death. Within a year, spinal cancer would leave him paralyzed from the waist down; he’d be dead by next spring. Blue Serge is his final testament. Thanks to its enduring greatness, he’s able to live forever. Continue reading…
11. Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook
Artist: Ella Fitzgerald
Genre: Swing
Ella Fitzgerald’s sterling rendition of “Anything Goes” is one of the catchiest songs of the decade, combining an all-time vocal performance with some of the wittiest lyrics that Cole Porter ever wrote. This is a very, very long LP, and Fitzgerald’s ability to keep things lively for two hours and eight sides of vinyl is, quite honestly, one of the most outstanding achievements in modern musical history.