Jazz Journey

My first memory of a Jazz album is ‘Take the Five Train’ by Dave Brubeck. At 20 years old, this was a little raw for me and I wasn’t keen – it’s actually a belter but I wasn’t ready for it at that point. But it did spark something in me and I bought a copy of an album by a musician whose name I recognised when perusing the jazz room at Virgin Megastore in Nottingham – Duke Ellington. I bought ‘Live from the Bluenote, Paris 1959‘ which, incidentally was only given 40% by the Penguin Guide to Recorded Jazz. It still remains one of, if not my favourite Ellington recordings! I also remember Christmas at 22…

Jazz Picks…

My top 5 tips for Jazz on CD are all available to order from the bookshop if they don’t have the stock. If you’d like to order, please contact Ian in the bookshop. the Soul of Ben Webster – 3 albums on 2CD’s – Verve – All the best musicians playing some of the slickest jazz you’ll hear. If you only have one Jazz album this year – I’d be picking this one! Black, Brown & Beige – Duke Ellington feat. Mahalia Jackson – One of my first Ellington albums, this suite to me is what Ellington Jazz is all about… Dream a Little Dream – Gerry Mulligan – No-one quite managed to play the…

Penguin Guide to Jazz

When I’d run out of ideas from reading sleeve notes and working out the ancestory of each musician, I bought myself a copy of the Penguin Guide to Recorded Jazz by Richard Cook & Brian Morton . It was in it’s 4th edition at that time but we’re up to the 9th ed as  I write this post. In it, you’re taken through all the recorded artists that the authors believe need inclusion. There is a discography with ratings to help you decide which album to buy. I still buy my jazz on CD (except recently recorded stuff) as iTunes is still getting it’s jazz library up to date. You should be able to order every recording…

Jazz Guitar

After my introduction to Oscar Peterson I was inspired by Herb Ellis. Originally a country/blues guitarist, Ellis played prolifically with the Oscar Peterson Trio and then with a myriad other artists. I think his best work was as part of the OP Trio and my best example of this might actually be the ‘Norman Granz’ Jazz at the Philharmonic – Hartford 1953′ with my favourite arrangement of ‘the man I love’ showing Herb Ellis at his best. I’m not sure who ‘s the best out of Peterson and Ellis but as I sit typing listening to that very album,  I’m reminded how wonderful a thing it is. Another great album with Herb Ellis in the OP Trio…

Jazz Piano

If you like a rhythmic jazz piano sound you must listen to the one and only Oscar Peterson – or the perfect combination of ‘Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson’. I also really like ‘Exclusively for my friends’ which he recorded for a select crowd of his mates up in a log cabin in Canada – now that’s celebrity lifestyle! Another must have is ‘Night Train’ by the Oscar Peterson Trio. Bill Evans sits at the opposite end of the style spectrum. A little melancholy (OK, very melancholy) mixed with a real swing and phenomenal rhythm. I’d recommend ‘Live at the Village Vanguard’ or if you want a truly star-studded line up, you absolutely must buy ‘Kind…

Vocals

If you like a smoky female vocalist sound try Madeleine Peyroux, who is very strongly influenced by Billie Holiday and my favourite album is ‘Careless Love’. Melodie Gardot is really smooth and I recommend either ‘Worrisome Heart’ or ‘My One and only Thrill’. Whichever you buy, you’ll probably be hooked and buy the other anyway! They’re often playing at Stray’s in either the bookshop or coffee bar.Ella Fitzgerald is my favourite jazz vocalist and as far as I’m concerned, she is the best female jazz vocalist to have been recorded. There are so many albums to choose from but you can’t go wrong with ‘Porgy & Bess’ which also features the legendary Louis Armstrong. Or if you like more of…

Saxophone

There a several types of saxophone but for this article, we’ll be looking at the three most popular.First is the fruity Alto which, in my opinion is the truest jazz sax sound. Then there’s the Tenor, which has a fuller, more bluesy tone. Finally but by no means least is the wonderfully mellow Baritone sax. I’ve lots of Jazz on CD by pioneers of each style and listen to them, depending on what I need and I suggest this is a good starting point in knowing what to buy.If I want to relax and chill out, the smooth, slick and very moreish medicine for me is the baritone sax of Gerry Mulligan - I’d recommend one of…