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Classic Jazz

M

MikeyFingers

Aug 1, 2005
1,817
4
Long Island, NY
#1
I'm mostly a fan of fusion and funk-inspired jazz. I have always enjoyed the little bits of classic jazz that I've heard over the years, but I've never gotten into any of it. Stuff like Miles Davis, Monk, Mingus, Parker etc. I've heard plenty of songs before, but never in a context that I learned a song name or often times even the artist, and it's killing me.
I need to get my hands on some really good classic jazz, and I need some help from you guys.
Specifically, I'm looking for some great piano jazz. I've heard a little Brubeck and I was blown away, same with Monk.
So how bout some suggestions?
 
#4
Bill Evans for sure. I like 'Everybody Digs Bill Evans', and then of course there's the coveted Village Vanguard recordings.

Herbie has some great records, very diverse catalog.

Ahmad Jamal is an old-school guy that's awesome.

Brad Mehldau is a newer guy that's great...he just released a record w/Pat Metheny. I heard a couple of tracks and it's great.

For non-piano specific stuff, try Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. I like the period when Wayne Shorter and Lee Morgan were with the band (not necessarily together).
 
#5
If piano is your current focus, then run, don't walk, and buy:

Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane, Live at Carnegie Hall

Bill Evans, Live at the Village Vanguard

Keith Jarrett, Standards in Norway

Or if you like Latin jazz:

Chucho Valdes, Live at the Village Vanguard

Thank me later.

For something a little more off the beaten track, try these records featuring Steve Kuhn on piano (if you can find them):

Steve Swallow, Home

Bob Moses, Family

More generally, it's almost impossible to go wrong with Tommy Flanagan. And for something of a different flavor, McCoy Tyner--aside from his legendary work with Coltrane, on a personal note, his record Expansions (specifically the tune Peresina) was literally the single record that did the most to get me interested in jazz.
 
#6
Joshua said:
Piano?

Bill Evans - Everbody Digs Bill Evans
Bill Evans - Interplay

Hank Jones - For My Father
Hank Jones - Upon Reflection; The Music of Thad Jones
Hank Jones - Steal Away

Herbie Hancock - Maiden Voyage

There are a jillion more, and plenty that are not led by a pianist. The above are just a few of my faves...
Click to expand...

Pruitt said:
The first album I always suggest to people who ask me this type of question is Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue". A must have classic, imho.
Click to expand...

:rolleyes:

Yeah man.. I think you have just failed... Just because the man asked about good jazz... and happened to mention piano... You don't recommend a bunch of stuff BEFORE "Kind of Blue" It just doesn't work like that. Not to mention Bill Evans is actually on Kind of Blue... :D
 
#8
I don't like Kind of Blue. Mainly because as good a composer as Miles was, I HATE HATE HATE him as a trumpet player.

For piano-centric stuff, definitely check out Bill Evans at the Vanguard, any Oscar Peterson Trio stuff, Kenny Drew (this guy just isn't nearly popular enough and played a lot with Niels Pedersen, absolutely the best bass player of all time), Mehldau (or however you spell it), Herbie's straight stuff. His fusion/funk was AWFUL.

As for other stuff, I've been on a big Brecker kick recently. Classic sax players, for sure Trane, Bird, Adderly, Sonny Rollins. Kenny Garrett is awesome as well.
 
#10
For piano, let's not forget Erroll Garner's live "Concert by the Sea." An older generation, "play the complete piano" pianist, with the energy of the Ramones, or something.

Also, "Money Jungle"-- a trio date with Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus and Max Roach.

"Jazz at Massey Hall" is mighty impressive too: Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Mingus and Roach.

For classic jazz bassists, also seek out Oscar Pettiford. Maybe the most melodic bassist ever.
 
#13
metalguy2 said:
:rolleyes:

Yeah man.. I think you have just failed... Just because the man asked about good jazz... and happened to mention piano... You don't recommend a bunch of stuff BEFORE "Kind of Blue" It just doesn't work like that. Not to mention Bill Evans is actually on Kind of Blue... :D
Click to expand...

This is stupid if it means what I think... you are saying you cant listen to something BEFORE you listen to kind of blue? Its a great album dont get me wrong, but there is exactly zero reason you have to know that record before you listen to others. Did you listen to the hot fives and hot sevens before you got to KOB?
 
#15
And after you've finished your term paper on "Kind of Blue" ;) you can listen to some other pianists apparently too prehistoric to be considered by most people here:

Art Tatum
Earl Hines
James P. Johnson
Meade Lux Lewis
Willie "The Lion" Smith
Teddy Wilson
Count Basie
Nat King Cole (yes, him)
Erroll Garner (as noted in my earlier post)

then:

Hank Jones
Mal Waldron
Randy Weston
Wynton Kelly
Tommy Flanagan
George Shearing
Red Garland
 
#17
wpkg said:
This is stupid if it means what I think... you are saying you cant listen to something BEFORE you listen to kind of blue? Its a great album dont get me wrong, but there is exactly zero reason you have to know that record before you listen to others. Did you listen to the hot fives and hot sevens before you got to KOB?
Click to expand...


I wasn't being completely serious to begin with on the comment. BUT!!! As far as essential listens for jazz it is at the top BECAUSE!!!
1. John Coltrane is on it... that should be enough right there BUT!!
2. Besides the fact that 'Trane makes an appearance, it is pretty much an all star cast playing pretty damned good. Not to mention the songs are good.
 
#18
Another PRETTY good piano player is Oscar Peterson. I would recommend "A summer Night in Munich". Nils Hemming Omstead Pederson (Bass) and Martin Drew (drums) put on a clinic in the rhythm section.

I'd second the Bill Evans stuff, and although "Kind of Blue" is not my favorite Miles it is still a phenomenal album BECAUSE of Miles understated solo's and playing. I only wish today's "hot chops" players would listen to the solo on "All Blues" and LEARN from it. For the record my favorite Miles is "Someday my Prince will come" followed by "Round Midnight".
 
#19
metalguy2 said:
I wasn't being completely serious to begin with on the comment. BUT!!! As far as essential listens for jazz it is at the top BECAUSE!!!
1. John Coltrane is on it... that should be enough right there BUT!!
2. Besides the fact that 'Trane makes an appearance, it is pretty much an all star cast playing pretty damned good. Not to mention the songs are good.
Click to expand...


Coltrane IS on it... so what? (get it! :) ) The man asked about piano, not sax. and ALL the tunes on ALL the records suggested so far have been good and had an all star cast. and though I love bill evans, I like the other stuff he did more.
 

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