Ten Records To Start Your Jazz Collection (Episode 225)

Ideas for the beginning jazz collector. Includes a mini-history of jazz.
Records discussed:
1. Miles Davis - Bags' Groove
2. Dave Brubeck Quartet - Time Out (also mentioned: Gerry Mulligan Quartet)
3. Frank Sinatra and Antonio Carlos Jobim - Francis Albert Sinatra and Antonio Carlos Jobim (also mentioned: Sarah Vaughan - Swingin' Easy)
4. Bill Evans Trio - Sunday At The Village Vanguard (also mentioned: Miles Davis - Kind Of Blue)
5. John Coltrane - Live At The Village Vanguard (also mentioned: A Love Supreme, Giant Steps)
6. Alice Coltrane - Journey In Satchidananda (also mentioned: Pharoah Sanders - Karma, Elvin Jones and Richard Davis - Heavy Sounds)
7. Miles Davis - In A Silent Way
8. Ray Barretto - Acid (also mentioned: Cuban Jam Sessions In Miniature, Cal Tjader - Tjader Plays Mambo)
9. Stan Getz and João Gilberto featuring Antonio Carlos Jobim - Getz/Gilberto
10. Grover Washington Jr. - Mister Magic (also mentioned: Herbie Hancock - Man-Child, Donald Byrd - Ethiopian Knights)

[@j0pj0p]

This is an exceptionally thoughtful and informative video. Thanks so much for sharing these choices - I'm gradually making my way through them all. Plus I like how it's 'ten records' and yet I actually lost count of how many you mentioned! Great stuff. Please keep it coming!

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Thank you! I'm glad it's been helpful. I may well do a follow-up soon as I have been asked about the "next 10". I appreciate the feedback.

[@billyohanluain6600]

Wonderful to watch such a knowledgeable presentation! Well done!

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

And thank you for watching; glad you enjoyed it.

[@komagome03]

This was great ! Thank you very much !

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Glad you liked it, and thanks for watching.

[@danmartinez5502]

Great video Turrentine & the 3 sounds "Blue Hour " will convince many to check out Jazz . I have used it many times..

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Thanks for alerting me to that. Lovely music.

[@alexl5083]

Here’s my list for beginners. 😁 Thelonius Monk plays Duke Ellington Ella Fitzgerald - Sings Cole Porter Song Book Miles Davis - Kind of Blue John Coltrane- Plays The Blues Bill Evans Trio - Waltz for Debbie Kenny Barrel - Midnight Blue Stan Getz - Getz/Gilberto Cal Tjader - El Sonido Nuevo Miles Davis - In a silent way Herbie Hancock - Head Hunters

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Nice call on the El Sonido Nuevo!

[@TheJuggernautv2]

A great summary, thank you for posting.

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@franktatom1837]

Any person who wants to understand jazz from 1950 on must listen to early jazz. Limiting one's listening based on the fact that old records sound bad is depriving oneself of an amazing three decades of music. Jelly Roll Morton, Bix, Armstrong's Hot Fives and Sevens, Fats Waller,, Ellington's 30's recordings, etc., I could go on. Most of this music can be obtained on cd or on used vinyl in the Time/Life Giants of Jazz sets, which are great (they even produced a set on Henry "Red" Allen, a contemporary of Armstrong with a career almost as long). And the diaspora of jazz musicians from New Orleans resulted from the closing, by Navy Secretary FDR, of the red light district there during WWI, depriving the musicians of a living, causing them to move to other mob-controlled towns, such as K.C. and Chicago. Also, very important to read about jazz, Gary Giddins recent book is excellent, Ted Gioa's West Coast Jazz is excellent, Eddie Condon wrote several entertaining books about early jazz, he knew Bix.

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Thanks for your comment. I take the point, and I thought a lot about it prior to the video. I may not have expressed myself as clearly as I could. I do feel that there is a fairly seismic difference between prewar jazz and what came after. I’ve listened to 20s and 30s jazz a lot; for a time I was part of the swing dance revival in the 90s and that was almost all I listened to in those years. But that was before I truly discovered what one might call for lack of a better term modern jazz. To me, the post 1945 period sounds emancipated and that’s what’s exciting; what came before to me exists within much stricter boundaries. So perhaps I have myself done what you recommend. But at the same time, I can’t get passionate enough about the big band era to say here, sit with these Ellington records in order to appreciate Pharoah Sanders. It’s the same tradition but there is a watershed moment where things are very different afterwards. To me that’d be like saying a beginner rock fan must listen to Robert Johnson in order to get into Pearl Jam. While I would understand that recommendation, I don’t think it’s necessary to begin with, because while the strands of DNA are there the experience is fundamentally different. I should probably have called it “to start your *modern* jazz collection”! I meant no disrespect to Duke and his peers.

[@bf0189]

Solid recommendations! Though I would argue modern jazz began with Coleman Hawkins - Body and Soul...such an important milestone. Also Duke Ellington's late career is fantstic! Theres plenty of great stuff in his later career. His live album Ellington At Newport is extremely important and that extender sax solo on Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue from Paul Gonsalves is legendary. Let alone his later collabs with Coltrane and Mingus. I would have addeed Mingus Ah-Um speaking of Mingus! Bitches Brew is something I could never get into either and prefer In A Silent Way too. For me Dixieland jazz is more of heitorical curoisity and I enjoy it that way but not in the same way I enjoy 1940 onwards jazz. West End Blues is an exception however!

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Yes, very good additions to all this. And indeed if I were to do this video again I might spend more time on late career Duke and Basie. Must dig into that Newport record again.

[@Markymarkvinylnut]

Just to respond to your start... Jazz is one of those genre's that finds you, like a fine wine or single malt. The feelings that jazz generates for me is incredible and there is nothing like it. I feel truly humble about the struggle and journey of American jazz artists at a time of great civil unrest during this time which further helps the appreciation and enjoyment of jazz. I love the photography and art too.. Wolfe and Lion were ahead of the game!! (Ive tried so hard with Bitchesbrew too.. couldn't get it either) Sonny Rollins on impulse, chet baker sings, Wayne Shorter's 'etc' and Lee Morgan's the Rahja are on my deck a lot.

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Me too on all of this. Another commenter was saying I shouldn’t be discounting the pre war stuff which is a fair comment. But like you, the connection between jazz and Black assertiveness in the face of Jim Crow racism in the 50s and 60s is what drives my connection to the music. So much passion and feeling (rage yeah, but also beauty and celebration and pride) in that music. The more you learn about the circumstances, the more exciting and humbling the listening experience.

[@Dave-xz1hg]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm always up for a good "top 10"! I appreciate that you chose several selections which are never found on the usual greatest albums lists. Personally, I'm not sure I would recommend the Alice Coltrane to a jazz newbie. And as for your inclusion of Sinatra/Jobim as your vocal selection - THAT's where I have a real problem! Trane/Johnny Hartman, Nancy Wilson/Cannonball, about 50 albums by Sassy, The Audience With Betty Carter, Shirley Horn - all of these are passed over for that one?! To each their own, but IMO, Sinatra/Jobim isn't close to either of their best work. I know I'm outnumbered, but I've never been comfortable with Frank's phrasing on that one, and I always prefer the songs in the original Portuguese. To my ears, the are far more enjoyable Bossa Nova records, starting with Tom and Elis, or Joao Gilbertos deep catalog. Don't get me wrong, I truly love listening to your excellent reviews - Thanks and keep'em coming!

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Fair comment! Though I wouldn’t call this a top ten list - few of these would make that list for me. The intent really is to introduce listeners to good examples of a variety of styles which (for the most part) are available for little cost on vinyl. Also limited by the records in my collection, which at that point included very little vocal jazz. Still don’t have that much, not really my thing outside bossa nova, but I have picked up a few Sarah Vaughans. Your suggestions are all excellent!

[@alexl5083]

Thanks for doing this video Alen! Interesting choices solid beginnings. I hope your video encourages the 20 somethings out there who know nothing about jazz to discover this amazing and wonderful art form.! I would’ve plugged Thelonius Monk plays Duke Ellington kind of a merge of the early jazz form with the modern!

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

I did think about the Ellington/Coltrane album, along those lines. Impossible to find “the” 10 records of course.

[@alexl5083]

@@TenMinuteRecordReviews Indeed, difficult when left with only 10 options. You did a great job. Looking forward to the next jazz review!

[@thejuggernaut5327]

I started mine with Ellington at Newport

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Not a bad beginning!

[@iconix21]

Great video! 👊

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

🙏

[@Markymarkvinylnut]

This is a wonderful video..much appreciated, thank you

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@adn8099]

Cool statue and selections

[@brianbillings6815]

That's a well thought out ten and I'd suggest a bit atypical group. Nice to see Grover Washington Jr. getting recognition though I've rarely heard him mentioned by jazz historians.

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

The ironic thing with Grover - a bit like Turrentine - is that he’s better known for IMO the less impressive, later parts of his discography. The stuff he did as part of Creed Taylor’s session band, leader or sideman, is very good.

[@brianbillings6815]

@@TenMinuteRecordReviews Buffalo and Western NY were a happening jazz scene in those days. Grover, Dr Lonnie Smith & Sal Nistico that I can name off the top of my head.

[@garyrobinson8665]

Great video. I'd say I'm a casual jazz listener. These are my top 5 picks for beginners in no particular order. 5. Getz/Gilberto 4. Chet Baker Sings 3. Bill Evans Moonbeams 2. Antonio Carlos Jobim The Composer Of Desifinado Plays 1. Blossom Dearie My Gentleman Friend

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Thanks Gary. Nice choices!

[@rkonarski1]

Thanks, Allan. Always been interested in getting opportunities to expand my listening catalogue.

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Glad you enjoyed it Richard!

[@casawhite4541]

Love ❤️ this video

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@c11p]

Great list. Also nice to see the Jones/Davis honorable mention. What do you think about the recent Elvin Jones Revival: Live at Pookie's Pub release?

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Thanks. As for Elvin, that’s not a record I know in its earlier iterations. I take it it’s good?

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

And now, having checked, I understand *why* I hadn’t heard of it before. :-)

[@c11p]

@@TenMinuteRecordReviews :-) Highly recommended!

[@jeshurunabinadab6560]

Great video, much appreciated. Also, can’t agree more about In A Silent Way over Bitches Brew 👍

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Thank you. IASW is one of his greatest records.

[@JazzInspires]

Great video.

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Thanks!

[@mikewebber3693]

Mal Waldron's 'The Quest', essential

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Thanks!

[@disrupt19]

Good list! I'm 41 now and when I was 23 I got into jazz after my girlfriend at the time showed me Take Five off of Time Out so I definitely agree there. The one I liked after that was Miles Smiles. Also agree with The Bill Evans Trio Village Vanguard Record over KoB although both should be in every jazz collection. Good to idea to get Giant Steps before A Love Supreme too. Sonny Rollins' Saxophone Colossus is essential hard bop. In the fusion category I'd pick Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters alongside In A Silent Way. Bitches Brew can be a little much for a lot of people. The Shape of Jazz To Come by Ornette Coleman is another one I was really into in the beginning. I could've sworn I saw Art Blakey And The Jazz Messengers on that pile at some point. That and Lee Morgan's Sidewinder are great Blue Note picks. Just my 2 cents.

[@disrupt19]

Oh! Also, for vocal jazz my pick is Dinah Jams by Dinah Washington with Clifford Brown and Max Roach. Love that album!

[@1999zrx1100]

I agree on your Lee Morgan ‘ Sidewinder ‘ that took the Jazz world by storm when it came in the 60’s. there is great Documentary on him on Netflix called I Called Him Morgan, check it out. 😎

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Saw it! It’s terrific.

[@nikitabukin780]

I like your Lenin bust. :)

[@topherg1935]

Love the Alice Coltrane and In A Silent Way picks. My CTI pick would be Randy Weston Blue Moses

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

That one I've never heard. Must investigate!

[@TheKizersoze13]

Here is my 10 1. Take 5 2 Kind of Blue 3 Ethiopian Nights 4 Moanin 5 Getz/Gilberto 6 Head Hunters 7 Coltrane / Hartman 8 Midnight Blue 9 Sidewinder 10 Any Bill Evans live record. Not all styles are represented but it hits most of them and are great albums that are kinda easy to find at the moment. All under $50 if not cheaper.

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Love Ethiopian Knights. Such a brilliant groove all the way through.

[@brianbillings6815]

Moanin' for me is a must in any top ten

[@christiangarcia9245]

I love bebop and I’m hip with all the history and the points you touched on. But can you elaborate on Branford Marsalis?

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Haha well perhaps it sounded like a dig, not intended. In truth - not having the time or inclination to get into this in the video - while I find BM to be a hugely talented musician and thoughtful person, I think his music is quintessentially postmodern. He occurs at the point where the linear outward expansion of jazz has slowed to a crawl and the music has become more self-referential and backward looking. That’s not his fault, it’s a characteristic of society (just look at my channel!), and to be clear he hasn’t been (as) dismissive of new music like Wynton. But unlike other earlier household names in jazz, like Armstrong or Dizzy or Blakey or Miles or Coltrane or Simone or Tyner or Sanders or Jarrett or Metheny, I’d be hard put to explain the specific developments in jazz one might associate with him. That said, he’s done some cool experiments over the years, even if they haven’t stuck or always worked. So maybe he does deserve his own video!

[@dreaboi]

Hey man-really love your videos, even when I totally disagree with your choices! I do think there’s a lot lost in the historical record when jazz is looked at exclusively as a black musical phenomenon, when it was a melting pot of both black and white. Ex, the harmony and pop song forms that were (and are) indispensable to jazz-even modern-are from Broadway composers. Yes, the story of jazz is primarily related to the black experience in America, but it’s impossible just to split it out along racial lines. I think a certain set of jazz historians left us with biases that tugged in the opposite direction from the prevailing racial attitudes of the time-maybe properly, to provide some corrective balance-but enough time has passed, imo, that we can disengage from the politics and address the music as music. Anyway, love and respect what you do; just my two cents. Btw, as I know you’re into Brazil-have you gotten into Djavan? I think he’s as great a songwriter as anyone who’s ever lived. Also dig some of the Portela sambatistas like Cartola, Paulinho da Viola, Clara Nunes, etc. That’s a big, enjoyable rabbit hole for you. Be good.

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Thanks re Djavan… a rabbit hole indeed!

[@razorback-mark]

How about the next 20 records once you started?

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Not a bad idea. It gets trickier of course!

[@manolisgeorgakakis6342]

Great video! Heavy Sounds is a beautiful record, but it doesn't fit your price and availability criteria.

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

You're absolutely right! it's a bit pricey, sadly the case for early pressings of most of the great spiritual jazz.

[@alexl5083]

Had a thought, you may want to create a PO Box Address for some of your viewers that want to gift you with vinyl. Just a thought.

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Haha! Well I hadn’t thought about that. But I am going to make some t shirts at some point so that day may come :)

[@SmartDave60]

No Mingus?!

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Not in this ten. I think Mingus is great but an acquired taste rather than someone who will entice the novice. (Of course I had already put an arguably more-difficult-to-acquire taste on the list with the Coltrane suggestion, so don't look to me for consistency!)

[@makimakipapura7543]

Is that a Lennin statue?

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

Yes; looking for the rest of the Beatles if I can find them.

[@dlove2830]

Hank Mobley (Soul Station); Miles Davis (Kind of Blue); John Coltrane (Giant Steps); Joe Henderson (Page One); Wayne Shorter (Speak No Evil); Herbie Hancock (Empyrean Isles); Bill Evans (Portrait in Jazz); Billie Holiday (Clef Records); Art Blakey (Night in Tunisia); and Kenny Durham (Quiet Kenny)...now THAT'S Ten Records to start a jazz collection. And all of those records have affordable reissues. Once you get these records, THEN you can branch out into Bossa Nova (Donald Byrd - Slow Drag), Avant Garde (Out to Lunch - Eric Dolphy, Grachun Moncur III - Evolution, Andrew Hill - Black Fire), BeBop (Charlie Parker - Afro-Cuban RSD 2023 is a good choice), Funk Jazz (Jack McDuff - Moon Rappin', Joe Henderson - Power to the People)...and whatever else floats your boat afterwards. But, to START a jazz collection, you want to start with the BEST. And IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT, you MUST get Lee Morgan Vol. 3 and Candy; Horace Parlan - Us Three; and Sonny Clark - Leapin' and Lopin', Cool Struttin' and Sonny's Crib. It will cost you to get Horace Parlin and Sonny Clark, BUT the Tone Poet reissue of Sonny Clark's Trio is coming out this year, so you definitely should purchase that for your jazz collection.

[@TenMinuteRecordReviews]

If your point of view is that hard bop and modal jazz is the best jazz and everything else is secondary, that’s a great list. IMHO there are lots of other styles of jazz, just as worthy depending on your taste, which is the point of the video.