1. |
New Orleans Suite - DUKE ELLINGTON
Possibly this gets my number one vote. Literally the most powerful music I have ever heard - far too moving to be played often - Johnny Hodges died mid recording. |
| 2. |
My Song - KEITH JARRETT
This album is perfect in every way. The tunes are all beautiful and every note the quartet plays is stunning. |
| 3. |
The Complete Village Vanguard - JOHN COLTRANE
It's not all great but it's a fantastic insight into his playing in 1961 and it's also interesting to see how he reacts with Eric Dolphy, the other saxophone player. |
| 4. |
Lyle Mays - LYLE MAYS
The writing is fantastic and Lyle takes you on a journey. There are also some short solo's from one of my favourite saxophone players, the under-rated Billy Drewes.
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| 5. |
Sinatra Meets Ellington
The feel from the rhythm section, the horns and Sinatra, on all of the tracks is just amazing, it's THE best big band playing. |
| 6. |
Funny Valentine - MILES DAVIS
Just fantastic all the way through. Great saxophone playing from George Coleman; Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams and Ron Carter take the music in all sorts of directions. |
| 7. |
Music For Large And Small Ensembles - KENNY WHEELER
This is a wonderful big band record, beautifully orchestrated and recorded. The second track features one of my favourite tenor solos, by Stan Sulzmann ('simply perfect' agrees garyb) |
| 8. |
Live At The Village Vanguard - SONNY ROLLINS
This trio album of tenor, bass and drums features Sonny Rollins at his most creative and inventive, free from cliché, he has a great sense of construction in his solos. |
| 9. |
Native Dancer - WAYNE SHORTER
Everything about it is great! My favourite bit is when he solos on tenor, gets higher and higher right up into the upper register, then switches and carries on with the soprano saxophone. |
| 10. |
Word Of Mouth - JACO PASTORIUS
This has been very influential on me as a writer and the energy and the individualism of this recording makes it a must for any jazz listener. |
