| ok....getting back to the question at hand.....
here's my signature list - also could be defined as what album I tell someone to check out when asked by a novice jazz fan.
Basie - April in Paris and/or the Atomic album (I know it's all Neal Hefti - but Snooky sounds great) - also the Sinatra at the Sands (with Quincy Jones' arrangements) is a must as is the earlier stuff with Joe Williams
Thad and Mel - Consummation and/or the Definitive Thad Jones Vol 1 and 2
Duke - Newport '56 - the 70th birthday concert - so many editions of this band (but it's always less about the band and more about the soloists with Ellington)
Kenton - Kenton '76 for the modern bands - Cuban Fire (the CD with the bonus tracks) for the 60's mellophonium group - also pick a few (so many - can't recall album titles) when Lennie Niehaus was on the band and writing much of the book in the 50's
Buddy Rich - Roar of 74 or Keep the Customer Satisfied (think that's the title - the one recorded live at 4am in Vegas is Channel One Suite on this one (Shew plays lead IIRC)
Maynard - Message from Newport - Live at Jimmy's - Live in London (no disco!) |