“All That Jazz” (1979)
Bob Fosse’s autobiographical musical-fantasy, “All That Jazz,” starring Roy Scheider, is an astonishing cinematic achievement.
“Smoky Mt. Ballads” – Bascom Lamar Lunsford
Responsible for some of the finest folk songs of the 1920s, Bascom Lamar Lunsford’s 1953 LP “Smoky Mt. Ballads” is an underrated and unlikely comeback.
“The Matrix” (1999)
Featuring slick style and iconic visuals, “The Matrix” is probably the most action-packed science-fiction movie ever.
“Young Man With a Horn” (1950)
“Young Man With a Horn,” starring Kirk Douglas as a passionate jazzman, is an uneven albeit tuneful biopic about a fictional trumpeter.
“Blue Period” – Miles Davis
Released on Prestige Records in 1953, “Blue Period” is Miles Davis’ first foray into hard bop. It’s an inessential yet enjoyable album.
“Nat King Cole Sings for Two in Love” – Nat King Cole
“Nat King Cole Sings for Two in Love” is probably the singer’s most underrated album of the 1950s. His voice never sounded better.
“Young Man with a Horn” – Miles Davis
“Young Man with a Horn” features fantastic soloing over straightforward arrangements, as Miles Davis fully develops his trumpet talent.
“The Wailing” (2016)
“The Wailing” is an epic, artful, South Korean horror film that is both petrifying and profound in equal measure.
“Satchmo Serenades” – Louis Armstrong
“Satchmo Serenades” is Louis Armstrong’s lover man album: a romantic collection of swinging ballads that features him at his most syrupy.
Jean Ritchie Singing the Traditional Songs of Her Kentucky Mountain Family
“Jean Ritchie Singing the Traditional Songs of Her Kentucky Mountain Family” is one of the most authentic folk albums of the 1950s.
“Bird and Diz” Album Review
“Bird and Diz,” a 1952 collaboration between saxophonist Charlie Parker and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, features one of the greatest jazz lineups of all time. The quartet is rounded out by Thelonious Monk on piano and Buddy Rich on drums.
“Moanin’ the Blues” – Hank Williams
Featuring some of Hank Williams’ twangiest songs, “Moanin’ the Blues” is an essential listen for any fan of country music.