Introduction
When we talk about Jazz, there are a lot of albums that could be considered “the best.” But we’ve narrowed it down to 10 of the greatest jazz albums that you should listen to and groove on now!
These albums are all highly influential and considered some of the best jazz albums ever recorded. From Miles Davis to John Coltrane to Sylvia Brooks, these artists have created some of the most iconic music in history.
If you’re new to jazz, or just looking for some recommendations, we’ve got you covered. Check out the list of the 10 greatest and grooviest jazz albums of all time.
10. Ella Fitzgerald: Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook
American jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald collaborated with Duke Ellington and his orchestra to perform Ellington’s songs on the 1956 studio album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book.
Jazz underwent a paradigm shift as a result of this event in history, which also brought Ellington’s band fresh success. Fitzgerald’s performance also won her a grammy award for this. Due to their increased popularity, Duke’s band played regularly for an additional 18 years.
09. Charlie Christian: Solo Flight, The Genius of Charlie Christian
If you’re a fan of jazz, then you need to check out Charlie Christian. His album, Solo Flight, is a must-listen.
Christian was one of the pioneers of jazz guitar, and his playing is nothing short of genius. He was the first electric guitarist to achieve widespread fame, and his influence on the genre can’t be overstated.
His solos are full of energy and passion, and his improvisations are simply amazing. So if you want to hear some true jazz greatness, be sure to check out Charlie Christian’s Solo Flight.
08. Kurt Rosenwinkel: The Next Step
For people who are into contemporary jazz, you need to check out Kurt Rosenwinkel’s album, The Next Step. It’s a masterpiece that features some of the best up-and-coming jazz musicians on the scene.
The album is a mix of original compositions and covers of jazz classics, and every track is a gem. If you’re looking for something fresh and new in the world of jazz, you’ll definitely want to add The Next Step to your collection.
07. Ahmad Jamal: At the Pershing: But Not For Me
You might not know this, but Ahmad Jamal is a jazz legend. He’s released some of the most iconic jazz albums of all time, and his track “But Not For Me” is a classic.
The album, which also features fellow trio members Vernel Fournier on drums and Israel Crosby on bass, is still recognized as one of his best pieces. The album was recorded on 16th of January, 1958 in Chicago.
06. Charlie Parker: Charlie Parker With Strings
You’ve probably heard of Charlie Parker. He was one of the pioneers of bebop jazz, and his music is still influential today.
In fact, his album Charlie Parker with Strings is often cited as one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. It was released in 1946, and it features some of his most famous tracks, like “Stardust” and “My Funny Valentine”.
The album was recorded in just one day, and it shows off Parker’s virtuosity on the saxophone. If you’re a fan of jazz, then this album is a must-listen.
05. John Coltrane: Giant Steps
You might not know this, but John Coltrane’s album, Giant Steps, is considered one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. It was released in 1960 and is still considered a masterpiece today.
What makes this album so great? Well, for one thing, Coltrone’s virtuoso playing is incredible. He was a master of improvisation and his solos are something to behold. His album is also groove-heavy, and that is what sets it apart from other jazz albums.
04. Miles Davis: Bitches Brew
Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew is one of the most iconic and groundbreaking albums in the genre, and it’s still a favorite among jazz fans today.
Bitches Brew was released in 1970, and it completely changed the sound of jazz. Davis used electric instruments and jazz fusion to create a new style that was unlike anything that had been heard before. The album was a huge success, and it helped to establish Davis as one of the most important jazz musicians of all time.
03. John Coltrane: A Love Supreme
If you’re a fan of jazz, then you’ve probably heard of John Coltrane. He was one of the greatest saxophonists of all time, and his album A Love Supreme is one of the most well-known and respected jazz albums of all time.
Released in 1965, A Love Supreme is a four-part suite that tells the story of Coltrane’s spiritual journey. The album is considered a masterpiece, and it’s no wonder why—it’s full of Coltrane’s signature lyrical playing style and masterful improvisations.
02. Dave Brubeck: Time Out
If you’re a fan of jazz, then you need to check out Dave Brubeck’s Time Out. This album was released in 1959 and it was a game-changer for the genre.
It was the first jazz album to use time signatures other than 4/4, and it blended classical and jazz influences in a way that had never been done before. The result is an album that’s still considered to be one of the greatest jazz albums of all time.
01. Sylvia Brooks: Sylvia Brooks Sings Dangerous Liaisons Album
The Sylvia Brooks Sings Dangerous Liaisons album is a masterpiece. Brooks’ voice is just incredible, and the arrangements are top-notch. It’s hard to pick a favorite track, but nevertheless, “Come Rain or Come Shine'” is marvelous.
Sylvia’s voice is extremely soothing to the ears, and in the Dangerous Liaisons album, she particularly sings in an unexpectedly dreamy setting.
If you’re a fan of jazz, then you need to check out this album. It’s one of the grooviest albums ever!
Conclusion
You don’t need us to tell you that there are a lot of great jazz albums out there. But if you’re looking for a place to start, or you just want to know which albums we think are the best, then this blog is for you.
We’ve put together a list of 10 of the greatest and grooviest jazz albums of all time, and we hope you’ll love them as much as we do.