These are the ones I go back to time and time again for inspiration and sheer listening pleasure, some mainstream, some very well known,and some a bit more obscure.
1. kind of Blue – Miles Davis -1959
This work broke with the conventions of the time, but has become a rule book in itself, many great players including John mcLaughlin claim they learnt about improvisation by studying this album.
2. Live at the Royal Festival Hall – John McLaughlin Trio – 1989
Truly awesome trio with Trilok Gurtu on percussion and Kai Eckhardt on bass.
3. I Took up the Runes – Jan Garberek – 1990
This used to make me cry when I turned it up real loud and blotted out the rest of the world. I believe it had a similar effect on my neighbours at the time, but for slightly different reasons.
4. Mingus Ah Um – Charles Mingus – 1959
Simply a classic, a beautiful mix of Hard Bop and Gospel music, this work is truly inspired, and you can often hear where the inspiration was coming from.
5. Ugetsu – Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers – 1963
The name came from the Jazz Messengers tours in Japan, for many the striking feature of this album is that it is led by a drummer, and there is not one drum solo on it. I love the line up and the compositions. Also, you can never beat a good live album.
6. Making Music – Zakir Hussain – 1986
Surprisingly this did not meet with overwhelming approval from critics at the time of it’s release. I regard it as some of the best music I’ve ever heard and I really need to replace the copy that I have just realised is missing from my CD shelf.
7. Tales of Gil Scott Heron -Â Gil Scott Heron and his Amnesia Express – 1990
I went to see Gil perform several times in the early 90’s. When he turned up, he, and the band featured on this recording could not be beaten for quality music entertainment. RIP.
8. Oregon in Moscow – Oregon and the Moscow Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra – 2000
Oregon are known for fusing classical music and instrumentation with jazz improvisation. This project though was bordering on the ridiculous. Here they manage to make a symphony orchestra function as a fifth member of their jazz combo.
9. I sing the body electric – Weather Report – 1972
Weather report was a leading force in fusion for 16 years, they recorded countless classic jazz albums. This one is my favourite of theirs.
10. Irresistible forces – Jack DeJohnette Special Edition – 1987
This album boggles my mind. And that’s a good thing
Cough cough I Took Up The RUNES cough cough 😉