Help me build up a jazz album collection. Can you suggest a must have album?


Just got back into analog after not having a turntable for 38 years. That was a Thorens TD 320. Now I have a VPI. Building a jazz album collection now since jazz seems to be what I enjoy now. I have barely 12 albums from Miles Davis, Art Blakey, King Curtis, Ray Charles, John Coltrane, Ike Quebec and Illinios Jacquet. Can you suggest a must have album? I generally like great sax, and percussion and sometimes a good vocalist, but I am open to anything that sounds GREAT. Also, if there is a particular label, issue or type of album. Thanks in advance.

2psyop

You already have a wonderful survey of core jazz recordings, but there still are a few contemporary sax players worth calling to your attention:

John Zorn - he is incredibly eclectic and prolific. I think he averages nearly 10 releases a year, in various genres including jazz, fusion, modern and orchestral music. He often produces and directs doesn’t play on all his recordings, but he is a fine saxophonist.

Tim Berne - composer and saxophonist 

Ingrid Ladbroke - composer and saxophonist

These three names will take you into the current NYC community of avant garde Jazz.

In that sub-genre, I’m especially fond of Mary Halvorson (guitar) and Anthony Braxton (sax).

One old school saxophonist I don’t think was mentioned, but should be is Yusef Lateef.

Finally, several great sax players have been alluded to by way the band leaders they played with. Several are worth pulling out from behind the leader: Charlie Rouse (Monk); John Gilmore and Marshall Allen (Sun Ra).

Sounds as though you’re having fun with these lists. I am too. To quote Lou Reed, “it’s the beginning of a great adventure “!

Glad you like their work.

Drummer for the trio is Noah Furbringer he has an album, "Moonwalker," which is more of the same but with emphasis on drum-work, 2022.  Insane: 

https://www.discogs.com/release/25555129-Noah-F%C3%BCrbringer-Noah-F%C3%BCrbringer-And-Friends-Moonwalker-

Similar artists came out with a 2021 French Album, "Rouge."  Name of the Trio is Derrierre Les Paupieres:

https://www.discogs.com/release/18955894-Rouge-Derri%C3%A8re-Les-Paupi%C3%A8res?srsltid=AfmBOoq5jTu5mPjy7f-Z9IWbn12HVLqOknA5n4GVhWj9UJpQvgW_mbT2

Take care, brother!!  Doug

Ezz-thetic, George Russell. Dolphy plays on tunes you'll remember and whistle the next day . . .

If it’s not on you list yet, I suggest the STEREO LP of "Shelly Manne & His Friends modern jazz performances of song from MY FAIR LADY." Besides Manne this has Andre Previn on piano and LeRoy Vinnegar on bass. Originally recorded in 1956 it was remastered in 2021.