Since the music is the main reason we are all audiophiles (hopefully), my list does not take into account the sonics. My choices are listed with their format.
1) Live at Montreaux - Sun Ra Arkestra - LP
2) The Shape of Jazz to Come - Ornette Coleman - LP
3) Spiritual Unity - Albert Ayler - LP and CD
4) The Motion of Emotion - Elliot Levin - CD
5) Unit Structures - Cecil Taylor Unit - LP and CD
With the exception of #4 which cracked the list two years ago, this list has been standard for me since the late 70's when I first discovered creative improvised music. While perhaps not the best place to start with the music, these five are timeless masterpieces of the art and genius of the artists. I don't, however, think they'll make any Recordings to Die For list - except of course, my own!
1) Live at Montreaux - Sun Ra Arkestra - LP
2) The Shape of Jazz to Come - Ornette Coleman - LP
3) Spiritual Unity - Albert Ayler - LP and CD
4) The Motion of Emotion - Elliot Levin - CD
5) Unit Structures - Cecil Taylor Unit - LP and CD
With the exception of #4 which cracked the list two years ago, this list has been standard for me since the late 70's when I first discovered creative improvised music. While perhaps not the best place to start with the music, these five are timeless masterpieces of the art and genius of the artists. I don't, however, think they'll make any Recordings to Die For list - except of course, my own!