Tag: Jazz
-
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…
Written by
·
-
Bill Evans ‘Everybody Digs Bill Evans’ (1959)
The cover of Everybody Digs Bills Evans says it all– glowing quotes from jazz legends like Miles Davis, George Shearing, and Ahmad Jamal stretch across the album cover, underscoring the bold title of this jazz pianist’s solo album. Evans plays with a sense of space and touch that made him one of the most revered…
Written by
·
-
David McCallum ‘Music: A Bit More of Me’ (1967)
Before most folks knew him as the cool, unflappable Ducky on NCIS (which was probably your mom’s favorite show for a brief run there), David McCallum was quietly crafting some surprisingly smooth grooves of his own. His 1967 album Music: A Bit More of Me shows the Scottish actor’s deep affection for lush orchestration and…
Written by
·
-
Milton Nascimento & Lo Borges ‘Clube Da Esquina’ (1972)
Recorded in 1972 under Brazil’s oppressive military dictatorship, Clube de Esquina represents both a musical triumph as well as a quiet act of resistance. At a time when censorship and fear defined daily life, Milton Nascimento and the 20-year-old Lô Borges gathered a collective of musicians to create something transcendent—a lush, double album that celebrated…
Written by
·
-
Frank Sinatra ‘Songs For Young Lovers’ (1954)
When Frank Sinatra signed with Capitol Records in 1953, he was emerging from a career slump but armed with a newfound sense of confidence and artistic direction. The dude was seasoned by countless nights on the stages of Las Vegas and refined a more intimate yet sophisticated lounge jazz style. Songs for Young Lovers has…
Written by
·
-
Jeff Kashiwa ‘Sunrise’ (2021)
I was hanging out with the kids this weekend and at the risk of showing my age we were listening to the free “Music Choice” channel on television while we played in the living room. For those unfamiliar it’s just a television station that plays songs on a loop ad-free. We had one the smooth…
Written by
·
-
The Dave Brubeck Quartet ‘Time Out’ (1959)
As we mentioned during our review of Thelonious Monk’s brilliant album Brilliant Corners (yes, the pun was intended, yes, I know I’m annoying) only five jazz musicians have ever graced the cover of TIME magazine. Dave Brubeck was one of them, a savant pianist and composer who rose to prominence during the 50’s. He is…
Written by
·
-
WILLOW ’empathogen’ (2024)
I was in downtown Palo Alto last night for a Thai cooking class with my mom at Sur La Table. It was a great time, and as we were exiting the store we realized we were a block away from the Coldplay concert at Stanford Stadium and had to juggle our way through all the…
Written by
·
-
Dean Martin ‘Dean Martin Sings’ (1954)
When you think of old school cool it’s hard not to think of a guy like Dean Martin. As a key member of the infamous Rat Pack (which also included Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop), Martin played the role of the laid-back, wisecracking, hard-drinking charmer who helped define the group’s…
Written by
·
-
Kermit Ruffins ‘Have A Crazy Cool Christmas’ (2009)
Kermit Ruffins embodies New Orleans’ joyous spirit– with his swinging trumpet, warm voice, and infectious charisma, Ruffins has become a beloved fixture in the city, carrying on the legacy of jazz greats like Louis Armstrong while adding his own modern flair. From the streets of the Treme neighborhood to packed local bars and legendary festivals,…
Written by
·
-
Art Pepper ‘Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section’ (1957)
Sometimes great art can be born in the most dire of circumstances. Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section that kind of album, a somewhat miraculous triumph born from chaos, desperation, and sheer talent. At the time Pepper was battling a crippling drug addiction and hadn’t touched his instrument in six months when he found himself…
Written by
·
-
Billie Holiday ‘Lady In Satin’ (1958)
In 1958 Billie Holiday entered the studio to record Lady in Satin and was a woman bearing the weight of a lifetime of hardship and heartbreak. The years of substance abuse, turbulent relationships, and brushes with the law had taken a significant toll on Holiday, both physically and emotionally. Her once-crystalline voice now carried a…
Written by
·
-
Etta James ‘At Last!’ (1960)
At just 22, Etta James had already lived a life rich with struggle and resilience when she stepped into Chicago’s Chess Records studio to record At Last. And with a delicate orchestral arrangement and a velvety, yearning vocal delivery, the title track “At Last” captured the essence of love’s deepest longing. There’s so many things…
Written by
·
-
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,…
Written by
·
-
Miles Davis ‘Kind of Blue’ (1959)
Kind of Blue is one of those albums you see everywhere– best of lists, college dorm rooms, your father’s vinyl record collection, a poster in a music store. It’s undoubtedly the de facto initial phase of the “I’m expanding my musical tastes and diving into jazz” starter pack that all music lovers hit somewhere around…
Written by
·
-
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…
Written by
·
-
Ornette Coleman ‘The Shape of Jazz to Come’ (1959)
Despite being released 65 years ago The Shape of Jazz to Come remains a cornerstone of the avant-garde jazz movement that upended the genre at the conclusion of the decade. At the time it was radical departure from conventional jazz structures, heralding a new era in the genre with its innovative approach, primarily its removal…
Written by
·
-
Tito Puente ‘Dance Mania’ (1958)
A whirlwind of vibrant mambo and cha-cha beats. Fiery timbales and brass-fueled arrangements. Dance Mania is everything that makes Latin music cool, energetic, and simply just fun as hell. Composer Puente masterfully blends traditional Cuban sounds with the sizzle of New York’s late night dance scene, creating a fiesta of infectious grooves and exhilarating performances…
Written by
·
-
João Gilberto ‘Chega de Saudade’ (1959)
João Gilberto’s debut album Chega de Saudade is largely credited with being the first Bossa Nova album of all-time, setting the stage for the proliferation of the genre to gain immense popularity in its native country of Brazil during the 60’s and 70’s. João Gilberto fused samba rhythms with the harmonies and sophistication of jazz,…
Written by
·
-
Duke Ellington ‘Such Sweet Thunder’ (1957)
Duke Ellington’s piano playing was a cornerstone of his influential career, characterized by its sophistication, creativity, and emotional depth. Ellington’s approach to the piano was as distinctive as his compositions– blending intricate jazz harmonies with a robust drive, and combining the elegance of classical music with the rhythmic vitality of jazz. His expressive touch on…
Written by
·
-
Roy Ayers Ubiquity ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’ (1976)
Roy Ayers is the godfather of neo-soul, setting off on a prolific career in the 1970’s that saw him churn out nearly an album per year. Along with his timeless classic “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” (the title track off this album– more on that in a minute), Ayers is also known for his stature in…
Written by
·
-
Gene Woods ‘Love & Protest’ (2022)
Alongside my passion for writing and recording my own music I work in sales for a software company that supports nurses in the health care industry. My mom has been a NICU nurse for 30+ years so the opportunity to help nurses provide better care for patients was a natural fit for my unique skill…
Written by
·
-
Barry Can’t Swim ‘When Will We Land’ (2023)
Barry Can’t Swim’s debut album When Will We Land is an incredible experience. I was first introduced to him at a bachelor party in Cabo a few months ago by one of the groom’s cousins and I’ve been casually hooked on it ever since. At face value it’s an electronic dance album in the vein…
Written by
·
-
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…
Written by
·
-
Bud Powell ‘Inner Fires’ (1952)
Any biography that has the opportunity to start with Herbie Hancock describing you as “the foundation out of which stemmed the whole edifice of modern jazz piano” is a pretty damn good one. Bud Powell was an iconic jazz songwriter whose life as a black artist in New York City during the 40’s led to…
Written by
·
-
Spyro Gyra ‘Morning Dance’ (1979)
American jazz fusion can run the gamut from being overtly cheesy to incredibly interesting, and Spyro Gyra’s 1979 album Morning Dance checks both of those boxes (sometimes in the same song). Blending elements of R&B, jazz, and funk along with virtuostic performances from as many as 10 musicians on an individual song, the band zips…
Written by
·
-
Sade ‘Diamond Life’ (1984)
Sade’s rise to the zenith of smooth jazz started humbly enough in the early 80’s. Following a university career that saw her study fashion design and a brief stint as a model, Sade Adu was recruited to become a backup singer for the British band Pride. After establishing a songwriting partnership with guitarist/saxophonist Stewart Matthewman,…
Written by
·
-
Peggy Lee ‘Black Coffee’ (1956)
Black Coffee was Peggy Lee’s first album but one that came well after she was already firmly established at the top of the charts. Her 1943 single “Why Don’t You Do Right?” sold over a million copies and kickstarted what would eventually become a seven-decade recording career that earned her the moniker “Queen of American…
Written by
·
-
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…
Written by
·
-
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…
Written by
·
-
Nat King Cole ‘Just One Of Those Things’ (1957)
Nat King Cole’s prodigious career for three decades was somewhat of a watershed moment for America. During a period of significant racism and social upheaval, Cole broke the color barrier in various ways during his career– despite facing intense discrimination Cole recorded over 100 songs that landed on the pop charts, became the top-selling act…
Written by
·
-
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…
Written by
·
-
Frank Sinatra ‘A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra’ (1957)
Christmas has changed a lot in America since 1957’s A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra was released. The holiday has certainly become a much more consumeristic affair, filled with month-long advertisements and shopping sprees, and by and large the holiday has effectively become a secular celebration. There’s no hiding the fact that religion’s popularity is…
Written by
·
-
Brett Eldredge ‘Mr. Christmas’ (2021)
Brett Eldredge has one of the finest and rich country voices in the industry today and is a consistent go-to for me when I’m in the need of an old-fashioned emotional pick me up. The title track off his 2020 album Sunday Drive has made me well up with tears on numerous occasions (a story…
Written by
·
-
Vince Guaraldi Trio ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ (1965)
A Charlie Brown Christmas was an absolute staple this time of year during my childhood, dutifully airing on PBS and ABC each season during the holidays like Linus’ warm safety blanket. For kids like me who didn’t have cable growing up (my parents didn’t get cable until I was 18 which is sort of insane…
Written by
·
-
Ray Charles ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ (1985)
By the time 1985 rolled along Ray Charles was well past the commercial success and utter brilliance of his work in the late 50’s and 60’s (1962’s Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music being his seminal work) and had become somewhat of an afterthought in American pop culture. In other words, 1985’s The Spirit…
Written by
·
