Top TEN JAZZ ALBUMS (personal list)

Not many people know but I am a classic jazz fan. Moreso the stuff from the 50s-late 70's. I went through a huge Jazz phase in college and every now and then while working on art, I toss in some of these old classics and drift away. I just thought I would do a quick list of ten albums I really love and you can check out. No order really.

HERBIE HANCOCK - "Head Hunters" and "Sextant" -- These two albums of Herbie's have held a special place in my heart for a long time.

BILLIE HOLIDAY "Hits" - Any greatest hits compilation will do, but she's great. I sometimes toss on some Lady Day when cleaning the house or hum it in the shower. Always puts me in a good mood.

Getz/Gilberto - One of my favorites on vinyl.

Dave Brubeck Quartet "Time Out" -- Who DOESN'T have this jazz record in their collection? And for good reason.

John Coletrane "Blue Train" and "Meditations" -- Blue Train is one of those Jazz records you give someone who is just first discovering what jazz is. A must listen to. For me, Meditations is raw and angry. I've always loved that squeal he gets in those songs. It can certainly annoy the people who are not into it. But I love it.

Lastly, my favorite jazz artist of all time is a no-brainer: Miles Davis. I love all his albums but if I had to pick favorites, here's my top 3 from him:

--WORKING WITH THE MILES DAVIS QUINTET - A great great album. And has one of my favorite slow dance songs on it. A little ditty called "It never entered my mind." Puts you in a romantic mood thats for damn sure.

--BITCHES BREW - The gateway drug for getting someone into Jazz music. In college I wrote a 20 page paper on its history and creation. It is essential, top 5 and worth owning in every serious music lover's collection.

But my favorite Miles record is:

--A TRIBUTE TO JACK JOHNSON - The soundtrack to a documentary about the legendary boxer. Only two 45 minute long songs but they are great. It sounds like 1975, when it was recorded. Great guitar, great drumming. Its all great. And a cameo by actor Brock Peters. Enjoy this album!