This oft-forgotten solo piano showcase is another reminder why Thelonious Monk was the most singular jazz musician of the era.
Grade: A- Continue reading Thelonious Alone in San Francisco – Thelonious Monk
Duke Ellington’s soundtrack to Otto Preminger’s 1959 film.
Grade: A- Continue reading Anatomy of a Murder – Duke Ellington
While Elvis served in the U.S. Army in 1959, RCA Victor released three compilation LPs back home to curb fans’ appetites. Continue reading 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong
One of the best-selling jazz albums of all time. But does it deserve to be? Continue reading Time Out – Dave Brubeck Quartet
Did Duke Ellington ever make a bad album?
Grade: A- Continue reading Duke Ellington – Jazz Party
Recorded in 1957 but released in 1959, “Newk’s Time” was the last LP before the legendary saxophonist’s self-imposed, three-year exile. Continue reading Newk’s Time – Sonny Rollins
It wouldn’t be a stretch to rank Moanin’ as one of the best performed jazz albums of all time.
Grade: A Continue reading Moanin’ – Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
While New York, N.Y. isn’t one of Russell’s most inventive recordings, it’s still a worthy addition to his adventurous catalogue.
Grade: A- Continue reading New York, N.Y. – George Russell
A couple sentences about Johnny Cash’s 1959 LP, “Greatest!”
Grade: B+ Continue reading Greatest! – Johnny Cash
Champion Jack Dupree’s woozy brand of New Orleans blues is a pleasure to behold.
Grade: A- Continue reading Blues from the Gutter – Champion Jack Dupree
The Country Blues of John Lee Hooker finds the legendary electric bluesman’s signature sound stripped down to its bare bones.
Grade: B+ Continue reading The Country Blues of John Lee Hooker
A 1959 compilation LP from the seminal electric blues singer.
Grade: A- Continue reading I’m John Lee Hooker – Album Review
