The Top 10 Albums of 1954, as chosen by yours truly.
Top 10 Albums of 1953
The Top 10 albums of 1953.
Jazz at Massey Hall – The Quintet
Perhaps the first “landmark” concert recording.
Grade: A
Introducing Paul Bley – Paul Bley
A semi-confident debut from a technically accomplished pianist.
Grade: A-
City of Glass – Stan Kenton
One of the earliest and most avant-garde records in the jazz catalogue.
Grade: A-
Piano Interpretations – Wynton Kelly
Only 19-years-old at the time, Wynton Kelly proves himself to be in a class all his own on this marvelous debut.
Grade: A
Hank Williams Sings – Hank Williams
One of America’s genre-defining country albums.
Grade: A
Doris Day in 1951
Three mediocre soundtracks from an American legend.
Songs of Jimmie Rodgers (Lefty Frizzell)
Old-time country that even a hipster could love.
Grade: B+
The Music of 1951
Links to my reviews of the music of 1951.
Innovations in Modern Music – Stan Kenton
The “Why doesn’t Stan Kenton get the credit he deserves?” campaign.
Grade: A
The New Sound – Les Paul
A great inventor, an even better musician.
Grade: A-
