Great Jazz Records

Five amazing Jazz records that I could simply not live without!

Released in 1961, and Sun Ra's only release on the gem label, The Futuristic Sounds of Sun Ra is a beautiful record. While mainly known for his cosmic, afro-futuristic philosophies and insanely out there compositions, this record is the exact opposite. It would be an ideal starting point for people wishing to get to grips with Ra's material as this record is hugely accessible and wonderful too! There is a gorgeous, soothing atmosphere that permeates through every cut on this amazing Jazz record. Ra recorded with a relatively small contingent from his "Arkestra", and it shows. What we have here is a hushed, intimate sounding album. A record to show the critics that Sun Ra did a lot more than just "make noise".

Album Highlights

• Tapestry From An Asteroid
• China Gates
• We Travel The Spaceways
  

A watershed moment in Jazz history, this hugely innovative and influential album, released in 1959, was Ornettes debut on the Atlantic record label. Ornette could be considered one of the godfathers of free-form, avant-garde jazz and this record profoundly impacted that style and steered it into new, exciting territory. Jazz traditionalists, at the time, were fiercely critical of Ornettes wild, free style. And while it is true that the melodies and musical phrases seem to fly off in all sorts of directions and tangents, they still retain their sense of meaning and evoke a curiosity and intrigue that makes the music utterly captivating and listenable. A true pioneer and musical visionary, Ornette gets my seal of approval! Anybody wishing to gain an understanding of avant-garde Jazz should start right here!

Album Highlights

• Lonely Woman
• Congeniality
• Peace
  

The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady, released in the year 1963, is persistently touted as being one of the greatest achievements in jazz history. By this time Mingus was already a heavyweight in the Jazz scene and this record is seen by many as being his magnum opus. Mingus included in the linear notes, words from his psychologist that stated -- It's as much an examination of his own tortured psyche as it is a conceptual piece about love and struggle. Musically, it is rich and densely textured. It veers off into so many different emotions, it can be hard to assimilate at first. Upon a more closer inspection though, it's easy to see why and how this album became as legendary as it is today. It's pure, raw emotion. Mingus was a master of his craft and this album should be in every serious music lovers collection.

Album Highlights

• Track A - Solo Dancer (Stop! Look! And Listen. Sinner Jim Whitney)
  
• Track B - Duet Solo Dancers (Hearts' Beat And Shades In Physical Embraces)
  

An ideal starting point for getting to grips with Kirk's music, The Inflated Tear, released in 1967, features some of his best ever work. Although not quite as intense as some of his previous outings, this record is so solid and well put together that it hardly needs to be brash and invasive. I think delicate is the word that best describes this album. There are some frantic moments to be found though. Kirk's knowledge and feel for Jazz music was virtually unmatched and I defy you to find another artist of this era who played with such soul and enthusiasm.

Album Highlights

• The Black And Crazy Blues
• The Creole Love Call
• Handful Of Fives
  

Out To Lunch was released in 1964 and stands as being Eric Dolphys masterpiece. This was another huge moment in avant-garde jazz and avant-garde music as a whole. A pioneering work full of jarring phrases and tones that will surely make your ears prick up and take notice. An album totally unlike Dolphy had done previously, Out To Lunch is filled with odd time-signatures, weird intervals and excessive flirtations with atonality. Not for the faint hearted! But nevertheless, a very important piece of music.

Album Highlights

• Hat and Beard
• Out to Lunch