One of the most famous live albums in jazz history, featuring one of the greatest solos of all time.
Grade: A
Bud Powell’s Moods
Bud Powell’s Moods builds on the nervous energy found in his previous LPs.
Grade: A-
Thelonious Monk continued his hot streak into 1955
Reviews of two Thelonious Monk LPs from 1955.
In a Romantic Mood – Oscar Peterson
One of the more underrated LPs in the jazz catalogue.
Grade: A
The Many Guises of Stan Getz
Before he gained international stardom with his early ‘60s bossa-nova recordings, tenor saxophonist Stan Getz made his bones by practicing with the greats in Scandinavia. Stints with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, Horace Silver, Al Haig and Max Roach bolstered the young Getz’s reputation as a standout performer. He first gained recognition as […]
Monk and Powell: Jazz Pianists in 1954
A look at two albums from two all-time jazz greats.
Al Haig Trio – Al Haig
The best album from one of the more underrated founders of bebop.
Grade: A
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-
Wizard of the Vibes – Milt Jackson
“…an essential recording for both bebop and vibraphone enthusiasts.”
Grade: A
The Amazing Bud Powell – Bud Powell
A statement LP from one of the most underrated jazz pianists of all time.
The Nat King Cole Conundrum
One of the most popular African American artists of the early 1950s suffered from a lack of identity.