Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Charles Mingus - Mingus Ah Um

Mingus Ah Um

My favorite Charles Mingus album, Mingus Ah Um is from 1959. It is one of the best jazz albums of all time. The album is mostly hard bop and avant-garde jazz. All the musicians sound good together. "Fables of Faubus" is one of my favorites. Charles Mingus plays the bass and also the piano on "Pedal Point Blues".

Monday, August 15, 2011

Ella Fitzgerald - The Best of the Song Books

The Best of the Song Books

Ella Fitzgerald was one of the best jazz vocalists ever. This great collection of her songs is from the 50s and 60s. Some of my favorites are "Something's Gotta Give", "The Lady Is a Tramp", "Love for Sale", "Midnight Sun", and "Hooray for Love".

Friday, August 12, 2011

John Coltrane - Blue Train

Blue Train

One of my favorite jazz albums, this 50s hard bop jazz album by saxophonist John Coltrane is one of his best. From "Blue Train", "Moment's Notice", "Locomotion", "I'm Old Fashioned", to "Lazy Bird". There are also alternate takes of "Blue Train", and "Lazy Bird". John Coltrane - tenor saxophone, Lee Morgan - trumpet, Curtis Fuller - trombone, Kenny Drew - piano, Paul Chambers - bass, and Philly Joe Jones - drums.