Tag: Hard Bop
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Donald Byrd ‘A New Perspective’ (1964)
A New Perspective gently rewrites what you think jazz can sound like, partly because Byrd himself was always pushing at the edges of the art form. Known for his warm trumpet tone and an instinct for blending styles without losing the heart of the music, Byrd approached this album with a sense of exploration. Take…
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Cannonball Adderley ‘Somethin’ Else’ (1958)
Recorded during Julian Cannonball Adderley’s time with Miles Davis’ First Great Quintet, this album features Davis in one of his rare sideman roles after 1955. He not only plays several initial solos but also composed the bluesy title track and selected most of the material. Notably, “Autumn Leaves” became a staple in the Davis repertoire,…
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Art Blakey ‘Moanin’ (1959)
Moanin’ is cornerstone of hard bop jazz that showcased Art Blakey’s prowess and exceptional talent as a drummer and bandleader. It’s filled with infectious grooves, soulful piano melodies, and powerful drumming that creates a dynamic interplay which highlights each musician’s strengths– the album’s blend of bluesy influences and intricate rhythms is a fun as hell…
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Horace Silver ‘The Stylings of Silver’ (1957)
Horace Silver’s album The Stylings of Silver is a tidy romp through the hard bop genre which showcases Silver’s distinct blend of rhythmic innovation and melodic sophistication. Featuring a formidable lineup of pianist Silver, trumpeter Art Farmer, saxophonist Hank Mobley, bassist Teddy Kotick, and drummer Louis Hayes, the record combines intricate jazz arrangements with Silver’s…
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John Coltrane ‘Giant Steps’ (1960)
There’s a certain innate bravado that comes along with being a jazz player, and naming your album Giant Steps certainly isn’t for the faint of heart unless you’re cocksure you’re damn well gonna deliver. It’s with that sense of swagger jazz saxophonist and composer John Coltrane entered Atlantic Studios in New York City with during…
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Thelonious Monk ‘Brilliant Corners’ (1956)
As one of America’s five jazz musicians to be featured on the cover of Time Magazine (joining the ranks of Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, and Wynton Marsalis) Thelonious Monk’s contributions to American jazz music cannot be overrstated. Along with being the second-most recorded jazz composer in history (behind the aforementioned Duke Ellington), Monk’s…
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Sonny Rollins ‘Way Out West’ (1957)
Called “the greatest living improvisor” for his masterful ability to improvise over just about everything (which frankly is one of the best nicknames you could give a jazz musician), jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins’ chops are indisputable. On Way Out West Rollins drags you into deep waters, utilizing a style known as “strollin’” for the first…
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