Best Jazz Starter Kit

By Amanda KonkelAugust 10th, 2011Blogs, Slider

 

I decided to assemble a top five Classic Jazz Albums list. It’s the sort of list I would give to anyone who wanted to be introduced, slowly, to what I would classify as “classic jazz.” Why is this important? Simply put: many, if not most, people unknowingly approach jazz from the wrong direction, which can turn off prospective listeners. So, I’ve deemed the following five albums as the way to start.

Please be advised that this list should be a step-by-step process to slowly open the ears to the sound of jazz. Don’t agree with one of these albums or the placement? Think the list is missing something? Comment and let me know! Let’s have a jazz history showdown.

1. Kind of Blue - Miles Davis, 1961
   This album is subtle and perfect. It has such a balanced duality: you can actively listen to it to or use it as amazing background dinner music. Every player on this record is the best of their time and plays with honesty. Enjoy this album all the time, anytime.
2. Time Out - Dave Brubeck, 1959
   This album contains concepts that will broaden the ears’ palette without making exhausting the brain. By the way, “Take Five” is the best selling jazz single of any era and is, surprisingly, in the time signature of 5/4. Do your ears feel smarter yet?
3. Portrait in Jazz - Bills Evans, 1961
   Bills Evans is quite possibly the greatest jazz piano player that ever lived and yet this album takes well-known standards and makes them interesting and easy to listen to. He will introduce your ears to thoughtful harmonies and you’ll enjoy every second of the ride.
4. The Blues and the Abstract Truth - Oliver Nelson, 1961
   The list of players on this album is a who’s-who of the jazz world then and now. The track “ Stolen Moments” is another huge selling hit, but the feel of this album just might take you out of your comfort zone and push the limits.
5. Blue Train - John Coltrane, 1957
   Last, but definitely not least, John Coltrane. Now I was tempted to put A Love Supreme here instead of Blue Train, but that is a serious step outside of our comfort zone at this point, so I went with this album instead. Each track has a timeless melody partnered with solos that have set the gold standards for jazz improvisation. Coltrane is the Picasso of classic jazz: easy to listen to but hard to understand. This album is a great first look into his genius and if you are feeling adventurous after all this, checkout A Love Supreme, but be prepared for serious ear opening.