Jazz Archives | Colin's Review

“Oscar Peterson Plays Duke Ellington” – Oscar Peterson

While not essential, “Oscar Peterson Plays Duke Ellington” is a fine collection of easy-listening jazz.

“An Evening with Billie Holiday” is a solid, well-rounded album of bluesy standards from one of jazz music’s greatest singers.

“Satchmo Serenades” is Louis Armstrong’s lover man album: a romantic collection of swinging ballads that features him at his most syrupy.

Released in 1951, “Satchmo at Pasadena” is a terrific and underrated live album from Louis Armstrong and his All Stars.

Released in 1951, the “Lester Young Trio” LP, which also features Nat King Cole and Buddy Rich, is a must-listen for any jazz fan.

Released in 1950, “Nat King Cole at the Piano” is a nice and relaxing jazz album that showcases his underrated instrumental abilities.

This 1947 collection of eight Billie Holiday classics from Commodore Records features the jazz singer at her absolute best.

“The King Cole Trio” was the first album to ever top the Billboard charts. It’s also one of Nat King Cole’s best releases.

“Zodiac Suite” is one of jazz music’s greatest masterpieces, having inspired everyone from Miles Davis to John Coltrane.

Duke Ellington’s original “Black, Brown and Beige” suite premiered in 1943. Read this album review of the 1946 LP release.

“Ella Sings Gershwin” is a fine, occasionally fantastic album.

Even though “albums” didn’t necessarily exist in the 1920s, here are my picks for the greatest recordings you should own from the decade.