The 10 Greatest Jazz Albums (of all time) 🤔

Tired of the same old “desert island” classic jazz albums? 🏝️
Ready for some NEW deep cuts? 🥰
Peter Martin is about to take you through the REAL top 10 jazz albums of ALL TIME!
⚠️ WARNING: This is a highly subjective list - please proceed with caution!
🎧 Spotify playlist → osjazz.link/spotify
🎙️ Check out our podcast "You'll Hear It" (#1 Jazz podcast worldwide) → / youllhearit
💿 Enjoy these tracks? Pick up a CD or LP!
1. Roberta Flack: amzn.to/47IAtlN
2. Bill Evans: amzn.to/47JcNxx
3. Dianne Reeves: amzn.to/3NcDsuw
4. Roy Hargrove: amzn.to/3uQ7cHf
5. Herbie Hancock: amzn.to/3RsVniV
6. Miles Davis: amzn.to/3t92d3L
7. John Coltrane: amzn.to/46Ikjrf
8. Thelonious Monk: amzn.to/46O78Fb
9. Duke Ellington: amzn.to/3GxOl6h
10. Shirley Horn: amzn.to/47JdPJV
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00:00 Introduction
01:35 I Love You, Paris (1992) by Shirley Horn
02:54 This One's For Blanton! (1972) by Duke Ellington
04:22 Alone in San Fransisco (1959) by Thelonious Monk
05:48 Crescent (1964) by John Coltrane
07:13 Ascenseur Pour L'échafaud (1957) by Miles Davis
08:38 River: The Joni Letters (2007) by Herbie Hancock
10:00 Hard Groove (2003) by Roy Hargrove
11:20 Bridges (1999) by Dianne Reeves
12:48 Interplay (1963) by Bill Evans
14:00 (????) by ????
Note: some links may be affiliates.

[@johnclaytonjr]

Great, Peter!! You STILL da man!!! Incidentally, RB told me that Blanton was the reason he played bass. And it wasn't his solos that lured him as much as his big fat groove. I think he first heard it on a juke box somewhere (vaguely recall him saying that). I remember when he made the duo album with Duke. he came back to LA and told me what a dream it was to make that album. He was on cloud nine when he came home from Vegas. Excellent choice, my man. All great choices. Dianne is my fav, as you know!!!

[@pianopeter]

John!! Thanks for watching and for those RB recollections - priceless. I got to rehearse and play with him for one day, and it was one of my fondest and most enlightening musical encounters to date.

[@EdwinEdwards-cb7ol]

Nice, Peter!

[@ReggWashBass]

Peter! I feel honoured to be part of your REAL 10 Greatest list! Recording that session in 2002 with Roy & touring in the RH Factor Band was a serious boundary breaking musical movement! It's funny. All we were doing was having some fun sharing the music to the World & giving it ALL for the music ... as Roy did his entire life on this Earth! May his music & legacy live forever! Holla... Rh Factor Family

[@pianopeter]

Reggie! Thanks for checking out the vid, honored! 🙏🏼

[@HenriqueMessias]

Hey man, you certainly gave the world a true work of art, which touches us deeply. Here in Brazil, we are big fans of you. I listen to Roy every day, it keeps me alive in music, it keeps me going with such difficulty. Thank you for breaking the barriers and transforming this world for the better!

[@jazzfan7491]

Great comment! By the way, I was living and working in Dallas in 1988 (it must have been) and one night wandered into a small jazz club on a Sunday or Monday night only to find this young kid playing trumpet with some friends, and as a long time jazz fan I immediately knew he was an incredible talent. I chatted with him and Roy told me he was about to go to Berklee. So that must have been late summer 88. I remember it well. He was just a kid, but obviously hugely talented.

[@charlitossip]

não conhecia nada sobre esse canal ou seu apresentador mas a chamada ser esse album, fez eu correr aqui rapido. amem pelas indicações.

[@bestebassist]

Oh yes shure, the most influential album in jazz for the last 25 years.

[@nyfaniloandrianjafy8171]

Out of the 10 albums on this list, 7 were new to me and I cannot thank you enough. Discovering "new" music is a joy of life

[@pianopeter]

your welcome, and I wholeheartedly agree - I'm amazed & inspired by the breadth of great music still to be discovered 💯

[@andersonxpablo]

Dude .... picking the top ten jazz albums of all time is a damn stupid thing to do, but if you're still going to do it, at least do it right (because there are a lot of innocent people hanging around the net who tend to believe every damn thing fools like you say, and I don't think is a healthy contribution at all. By the way, have you thought about wearing a wig? It would be more real than your top ten albums, that's for sure.

[@judeirwin2222]

Ffs. You’re welcome, not your welcome.

[@evenstevens410]

Thanks for sharing your good attitude.

[@tonys4396]

@@judeirwin2222 Lookie here. We have a grammar school English teacher with nothing better to do, You can't even spell GED

[@drdalewisely]

Man. I'm SO glad you put Coltrane's "Crescent" on this list.

With so much music out there to listen to, I now only listen to Coltrane once in a long while, and I used to own and listen to most of his discography on CD when I was younger. And when I feel like having some Coltrane, my first thought is alway "Crescent" (the title tune). The first few choruses have to be some of the best improvised lines in the history of music.

[@teodelfuego]

The Roberta Flack track blew me away. Thanks for introducing me to this!

[@agyemanboaten4385]

A beautiful list. Could easily be replaced with 10 different albums. The great thing about it is that even that list could be replaced with another list with completely different artists and still we could not argue. I love this.

[@pianopeter]

thanks! exactly the spirit I was hoping to convey 🙏🏼

[@teebeecurl]

@@pianopeter Which begs the question: When is list B coming out? 😁

[@andersonxpablo]

Dude .... picking the top ten jazz albums of all time is a damn stupid thing to do, but if you're still going to do it, at least do it right (because there are a lot of innocent people hanging around the net who tend to believe every damn thing fools like you say, and I don't think is a healthy contribution at all. By the way, have you thought about wearing a wig? It would be more real than your top ten albums, that's for sure.

[@jbOneEarth]

@@teebeecurl From funny!!! 💖

[@janpierzchala2004]

If easily then something is not...

[@luminiferous1960]

I was skeptical during the introduction when you were dismissing the usual selections for top 10 jazz albums of all time, but I have to say you really knocked the ball out of the park with your selections! This is a great reminder that there is so much great music out there beyond the tried and true selections, and that it is worth venturing off the usual path to explore the roads less travelled in the world of jazz. Thank you.

[@pianopeter]

Agreed, and thank you for your words.

[@willmartin1837]

I’d vote CAPTAIN BEEFHEART CRAZY LITTLE THING 🌴😎❤️✌️👍

[@jeffdawson2786]

Thanks for being bold enough to do this. A fine public service.

[@pianopeter]

your welcome 🙏🏼

[@bradhardisty1652]

I'm a Zappaphite so I like shining the spotlight on some corners that makes me excited. Our library system in Pensacola has a Jazz Room stocked by the Pensacola Jazz Society. I drive Uber and check out different CDs all week long. I'm going to check this out.

[@Chris-uq4iz]

I kinda miss Chick Corea on this list cause I feel like out of all the greats he is the one getting the least attention or at least to little attention which is sad cause he was such a genius.

[@pianopeter]

agreed - genius as a player and human. Miss CC. 🙏🏼

[@igorherstel5043]

Agreed! Try 'Tones For Joan's Bones'. Fantastic album!

[@alexangeloallen]

Agreed, musicmagic is a criminally underated album, such beautiful arrangements

[@bassplayerxxd4873]

Yeah, if you've heard one of his most recent albums, hot house with Gary on the vibes. With chicks arrangements and the interplay between the two, it all together mashes up to be a superb album in my opinion - but as Peter said, this kind of is more an introduction to lesser known albums without disregarding other great ones, such as the one I mentioned.

[@zubinb3]

Totally agree

[@nihilumaeternum6555]

The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady would def be on my top 10

[@pianopeter]

incredible album from top to bottom 🙏🏼

[@lemaudetalancenicolas-lm8ry]

I agree !! So much

[@scottfoster3643]

That and his solo piano record.

[@djtrendsetta5766]

Charlie Mariano is unreal on that cut.

[@pietromoltani6923]

​@@djtrendsetta5766Charlie Mariano is fucking awesome everytime. Give him a listen on "Dear John C.", a magnificent album by Elvin Jones.

[@jkewish10]

I pivoted into jazz because I’m a drummer. While these all sound very nice and relaxing (granted, I love the last two), my place in the jazz journey has recently landed me at 1) Buddy Rich’s “Big Swing Face” album, and 2) Bill Evans “At the Montreux Jazz Festival”. (likely neither of these are ‘under the radar’ picks; I’m a novice listener.) These are two recent finds I’ve had where I had to replay the album immediately because I was so thoroughly floored by the amazing talent and energy of the group. I’ll have to circle back to your list, when I’ve developed my ear a bit better. Cheers! P.S. Not sure about anyone else, but I’d love to see a list of “top ten jazz drumming albums” for folks who have already thoroughly sifted through the usual top 10 miles/coltrane/the usual picks.

[@danieldubei]

I love Duke Ellington's Afro-Eurasian Eclipse. It's totally underrated and needs to be heard more! What fantastic music.

[@pianopeter]

Agreed. Late Duke is kinda overlooked...but killing!

[@Dave-xz1hg]

a great one!

[@edwinedwards6796]

I agree

[@HNUNN-ip4dt]

"Such Sweet Thunder" by Duke

[@JanPrze]

I find the album Crescent and specifically the tune Lonnie's Lament so unbelievably beautiful and touching, thank you for mentioning it

[@andersonxpablo]

Dude .... picking the top ten jazz albums of all time is a damn stupid thing to do, but if you're still going to do it, at least do it right (because there are a lot of innocent people hanging around the net who tend to believe every damn thing fools like you say, and I don't think is a healthy contribution at all. By the way, have you thought about wearing a wig? It would be more real than your top ten albums, that's for sure.

[@thomasnelson5758]

So happy to see some love for Roy Hargrove; as you mentioned, 'Earfood' is probably one of my favorite jazz albums of the 21st century, and he is sorely missed

[@pianopeter]

🙏🏼

[@DarkeningSkies1]

His cuban album (“Habana”) is fantastic, too. Oh! And “The Vibe”...

[@pianopeter]

@@DarkeningSkies1 The VIBE! You're going back........a great place to go!

[@gil3green]

Crescent an atf for sure and well record! Some good stuff for me to dig into! Thanks!

[@kevinlittlefield4994]

Great post. Thank you for all the wonderful suggestions! Can't wait to listen.

[@SMALLSandJOE]

Thanks for talking about these less often mentioned jazz gems! Introduced me to some GREAT albums I'd never heard of! Love the videos!

[@mnikolew]

Oh man that Duke and Ray Brown record is absolutely killer. Thank you! I may have never otherwise found it. I adore this album.

[@pianopeter]

you're welcome. I don't remember who hipped me to it many years ago, but I remember how revelatory it felt when I first heard it

[@JarrettMehldau]

​@@pianopeterPeter, can you make a top 10 video on your favourite Ray Brown records. I love "Way Out West" and "The Gifted Ones", apart from the Duke duo, what else should I check out?

[@paxonearth]

I'm a 58 year old Classic Rocker who still knows very little about jazz. That said, Roy Hargrove's "With the Tenors of Our Time" is the first jazz CD I ever bought. I subsequently bought two or three more of his CDs. For me he was the perfect bridge into jazz, as his music was more accessible to my untrained ear than so much other jazz I had heard.

[@shanebaird543]

What a great first album, one of my favorites!

[@pianopeter]

THAT Roy album is awesome. I got a chance to play all that music with Roy's quintet while touring with his quintet in 1994. I was young and ig-nant, but that experience shaped my musical life. Very weird to see this from that summer 1994--> kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZiofZevadeggsU

[@paxonearth]

@@pianopeter Thanks so much for the link! Who's that young dude on piano? ;) Wow, you're the REAL DEAL, man! Too bad Roy is no longer with us.

[@terrellholmes2726]

The first track of that album, "Soppin' the Biscuit," is _killin'!_

[@williamcampbell3868]

​@@terrellholmes2726 I couldn't agree more. I still love the entire lp. So much legendary talent and is ultra swinging, soulful, and funky!!👍👍👍

[@peterrollinson-lorimer]

Old guy here, stuck in the jazz classics. Love your list. Jazz needs to be fresh and new, and most of these are new to me. I used to have the Ellington/Brown album until somebody liked it more than I did. I remember trying to play the bass parts.

[@Dan_Dropper]

I am very happy that you featured Roy Hargrove & The RH Factor album "Hardgroove." I instinctively bought the album back in 2007 because I thought the cover art was so unique. I didn't even know RH back then, but I'm hooked on him ever since. There are other hits in that album: Poetry, The Joint, Liquid Streets, Juicy, and The Stroke. RIP the best melancholic trumpeter. Roy Hargrove, you'll be missed. ❤

[@pianopeter]

🙌

[@davidfrances1484]

I totally agree with you, Peter, about the Robert Flack album, especially Tryin' Times. Not only is it musically brilliant, but it is also an historical document that does capture the domestic strife of the 60's. When I was a science teacher at East Orange (NJ) high school during that period, I used this track at an after-school class to introduce kids to the blues, and to demonstrate how such a fundamental progression can be crafted into such sophisticated, soulful & meaningful art. So, thanks for highlighting it!

[@pianopeter]

thanks for sharing this, so well said 🙏🏼

[@sailordent]

Thanks for helping to introduce kids to our most wonderful American export

[@sheltonterry6589]

Is Ms. Roberta doing the vocals on it too?

[@davidfrances1484]

@@sheltonterry6589 Absolutely!! She's the best!

[@deacon8754]

Glad to see Shirley Horn , she’s so underrated, I’ve been going through a rabbit hole of her live performances on KZbin just brilliance.

[@jazztime7186]

And Peter's pick is superb. Shirley didn't make bad albums, but "I Love You Paris" and "Close Enough for Love" really define the core of her art. To me they are the platonic ideal Shirley Horn albums.

[@ruralrelay]

Don't forget The Main Ingredient; one of my favorites!

[@paulrhodesquinn]

The Miles album is a real gem. Listening now! Awesome as ever Peter.

[@pianopeter]

The live KZbin stuff of Shirley is so great to have - I saw her live quite a few times throughout the 90's, and to have these video documents is priceless.

[@DyarContreras]

Speaking of lesser known jazz artists: I had never heard of Gil Scott Heron before I heard his song, “The Prisoner,” on Sirius XM radio one day. I haven’t listened to the entire album that that song is from yet, but I fully intend on doing just that….there were/are so many GREAT jazz artists, that it is mind boggling sometimes, to even think about listening to all of their work! (It probably can’t be done.)

[@diegoinjapan]

Thanks for this list. I haven’t heard most of this list before. Loved it and loved your enthusiasm. Cheers!!

[@cutrush07]

I’m a metal head! Death metal, grindcore, dark hardcore and all things heavy dark and dirty; that’s my happy place. I have watched a million of these types of videos for those genres. But I saw this one pop up, gave it a watch and have a created a KZbin playlist of all of these albums. Roberta Flack and Thelonius Monk have made their mark on me previously. I’m going to give the whole list a good crack!

[@camerakungfu]

I think Crescent always gets overlooked because A Love Supreme came out so soon after, but it's certainly no less an album. Thanks for highlighting it.

[@pianopeter]

your welcome - and it's such stunningly different album from Love Supreme!

[@michaelconnolly3990]

Yes, true. It's a great counterpoint to ALS - quietly introspective. In many ways I prefer it.

[@qqq2276]

Both Crescent and Olé Coltrane deserve their flowers

[@frankschneller2627]

Excited that Miles Davis' Ascenseur Pour L'échafaud gets some attention. Well deserved to be mentioned. I think, it is one of his masterpieces. Stunning record!

[@pianopeter]

👊🏼

[@newmoneymarcus]

It’s my favorite album

[@scottboettcher1344]

Thank you for spelling that out, so I can find it! I don't understand french.

[@histubeness]

Yes, but he should have also recommended seeing (Elevator to the Gallows) the movie, itself. A must see film, IMO. --Mind twisting.

[@frankschneller2627]

@@histubeness - true!

[@dannyharringtonmusic2544]

I wasn’t sure at first, but you stole my heart. Well done. It is always a beautiful thing to be taking on such a wonderful journey. Cheers Danny PS I’m a bari sax player…….may have to find one to add😂😂😂😂

[@jakereosti]

Some that come to mind in no particular order: Young Jazz Giants, Self Titled (2004) -Stephen Bruner/Thundercat on bass and his brother Ronald Bruner on drums. Kamari Washington on sax, Cameron Graves on keys. conceptual, almost giving you a tour of jazz on their version of Giants Steps following the poem YJG. Interesting foreshadowing of artists who would go on to really occupy the cutting edge Butcher Brown - All Purpose Music (2014) Devonne Harris- keyboards, guitar, percussion Corey Fonville- drums, percussion Andrew Randazzo- bass Keith Askey- guitar Marcus Tenney - trumpet/flugelhorn/sax These guys communicate on such a high level and have excellent compositions to showcase their love of music. Incredible drumming and tasteful fusion of influences. Lots of groove here. Endorsed by and featuring Nic Payton DOMi and JD BECK - NOT TiGHT (2022) They’ve got a fresh perspective, polished musicianship, a cohesive vision, and plenty of well deserved support and collaboration from artists like Herbie, Busta Rhymes, Mac Demarco Kiefer - Happysad 2018 Lofi hip hop or jazz? Stretching the expectations of what might be on a list of jazz albums with this one. Listening to piano playing on a track like FOMO might soothe any anxieties about categorization Anomalie - Métropole (2017) Electronic music? Jazz? Electronic jazz? Very interesting, beautiful music and beautiful piano playing. Highly structured and very composed, even when performed live. Backbeat. Robert Glasper - Black Radio (2012) When I play with young piano playing peers of mine, Robert Glasper is often more of an influence on them than Herbie. His influence has personally reached me. Thundercat - Golden Age of the Apocalypse (2011) As much a songwriter as he is a bass player. Another musician who has touched my friends and I. Them Changes is a modern jazz standard. Not on this album, I know. Joe Henderson - Power to the People (1969) Gotta have some older deep cuts. Underrated saxophone player. Rhythmically intriguing. This album is tied with his album In n Out. Afrocentric is an insane song, piano playing by Herbie on that track beyond my comprehension but not beyond my appreciation. Same with Jack Dejohnette’s drumming. So glad the performance was captured on this record. Mike Lawrence the trumpet player, sadly was later taken by cancer early in his life. Ron Carter with an appearance on electric bass. Sun Ra - Atlantis (1969) Swinging but in such an unexpected way. Otherworldly, almost too apt a description. Inspired me to take risks. Best served with THC. Larry Young - Unity (1966) Hard to pick only 10. Larry Young is underrated and it’s a shame there’s not more footage of him playing live. Joe Henderson again, but with Woody Shaw playing in his sophisticated style. Intervalic trumpet playing that makes me rethink what’s possible on that instrument. The moontrane is an amazing song. Called at a jazz jam I was at once and the whole band had already been working on it individually. Miraculous! There’s many more but the agreement was 10.

[@emanuelsv]

Love Kiefer. Going to see him in february

[@godisbollocks]

Why the disrespect for Brubeck's "Time Out"?

[@brochestedbs]

I agree. However, many, many of his live concert albums beat Time Out. Just one example - Carnegie Hall

[@sergioazor496]

Jimmy Giuffre deserves some recognition. His approach to jazz composition is quite unique. Western suite or The easy way are incredible albums that changed my way of understanding jazz. Another album that I really love is Paul Desmond - Glad tu be unhappy, with the unique Jim Hall at guitar.

[@stephensmall4172]

So glad I have found this channel as it has introduced me to some great music,, It makes me excited to think about what else is yet to be discovered. Thanks for showcasing these lesser mentioned albums.

[@pmfnr]

Wayne Shorter - Speak No Evil, Grant Green - Matador, Oliver Nelson - The Blues and The Abstract Truth, Horace Silver - Songs For My Father, Freddie Hubbard - Ready For Freddie, Sonny Clark - Leapin' and Lopin', Yusef Lateef - Eastern Sounds, Kenny Dorham - Afro-Cuban, Andrew Hill - Point of Departure, McCoy Tyner - Echoes of a Friend (A desert island where Miles and Coltrane are not allowed).

[@robklapp6918]

I'm a musician, but not a jazzer (although with a huge admiration for jazz musicianship and improv). I'm just starting to try to get a feel for the "canon". Thank you SO MUCH for this list!! Every selection is fantastic and outside the 'usual suspects" friends and KZbin have recommended for me. But a special thanks for "This One's for Blanton". It immediately goes on my favorite albums of all time! Gorgeous recording, juicy lucid playing, so melodic, playful and fun. Maybe hardcore guys might say it's too simple, but man it hits a certain spot for me! I would love to see you do an extended list. Your insight and taste provide invaluable guidance for relative noobs like me. Sincere thanks again.

[@pianopeter]

You're welcome, and thanks for your kind words. I agree - "This One's for Blanton" is a revelation. Happy listening!

[@tonyrapa-tonyrapa]

Hard Groove is utterly fantastic. I bought it not long after it was originally released. I was just thumbing through the CDs in my local music store and I saw the cover and thought: "Interesting". I'd never heard of Roy Hargrove at that point. When I got home and played it, it blew my socks off. A fantastic mix of soul/blues/rap/hip-hop inflected jazz. Simply superb.

[@pianopeter]

ah the days of flipping thru CD's at a local music store, and buying based on an interesting cover - I miss that! Thanks for sharing

[@MrJazzohjazz]

Wonderful list. My top LPs " Ahmad Jamal at the Pershing" .... June Christy "Something Cool". .....Miles Davis "Relaxing" .... Brubeck "Jazz Impressions of USA" ... Coltrane and Johnny Hartman ....Pat Metheny "Bright Size Life" ..... Bill Evans "I will say Goodbye" ... Stan Getz in Stockholm .... Sinatra "Only The Lonely" ...... Dakota Staton "The Late late Show " So many from which to choose.

[@Vovvilina]

One of my faves is Estate from that Shirley Horn album you noted before sharing your #10, so I decided to stick around and am glad I did. You just gained another subscriber who's eager to see what you generously share in '24. Thank you!

[@pianopeter]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Eduardsax]

This is what jazz is all about: listening to music with fresh ears. This list is true "tour de force". Thanks a lot!

[@pianopeter]

You're welcome, and I wholeheartedly agree on 'fresh ears'. 🙏🏼👂🏼

[@jameslockhart2223]

The Ornette Coleman Trio, Live at The Golden Circle vol.1 Smack Up, Art Pepper Mingus at Antibes, Charles Mingus Thelonious Monk & John Coltrane at The Five Spot Decoy, Miles Davis Out to Lunch, Eric Dolphy Moanin', Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers Midnight Blue, Kenny Burrell The Bridge, Sonny Rollins Blues and the Abstract Truth, Oliver Nelson

[@Dave-xz1hg]

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout! Finally some love for Ornette and Eric!

[@davidtepper2290]

YES!

[@mistermastermind1]

My Dad was a huge Ornette Coleman Fan. I remember the Golden Circle recordings very well.

[@christianlacheze3323]

A million thanks for posting this and making me discover these gems!

[@heymoe1179]

IMO...Dave Brubeck Take Five is absolutely the best and a must have...produced in 1959.

[@emile345]

I was once walking through the city at night. It was drizzling, the lights in the apartment blocks along the harbor were providing some background lighting and Miles' Ascenseur pour L'échafaud was playing through my headphones. I couldn't have picked a better setting for this soundtrack. Goosebumps.

[@pianopeter]

agreed

[@williamcampbell3868]

I bet that was a classic noir experience. I have done a similar thing sitting in my jeep with the window open just enough to allow the fresh air and hear the rain. I played a few tracks from the Round midnight sound track, Miles' Kind of Blue and Dexter Gordon's Ballads.

[@djtrendsetta5766]

I love to put on those restoration vids of cities from back in the day and just mute it while I listen to music. The other night I was watching a video of a car driving down Los Angeles streets at night in the late-1950's while listening to Miles "Birth of the Cool". It seriously heightens the experience.

[@bassistsalazar]

Crescent and Hardgroove! Woo so glad they made the list. Stoked to check the rest of these records out. Thank you for your channel and all the work you do to educate and inspire!

[@pianopeter]

Your welcome 🙏🏼

[@kevinn1158]

Thank you for this list. I'm always open to new suggestions for music. I've got my 15 yr old daughter playing many of the jazz standards in addition to the classical music that's required for the RCM. She love Bach, Mozart, Monk, Davis, the old big band stuff. I've gotten her into opera and 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s pop, but let's face it, the best thing is to never be snobby about music. So much to love. Zydeco, ska, reggae... blues, jazz. If it has the feel, I love it.

[@johngroh1744]

Peter! Thank you so much for your unique take on the old warhorse "top 10 best list." Refreshing and very insightful..... you've expanded my somewhat "limited" viewpoint. Your style and presentation is enjoyable and motivating for exploring beyond the backyards of old top ten yardbirds.

[@pban02]

Thanks for turning us on to such a great selection of albums and songs. I listen to a lot of jazz, but am really happy to have found such a great collection that I wasn‘t aware of. 😀🎹🎸🎷

[@pianopeter]

your welcome! happy listening

[@T.Ramby11]

Love this. This One’s for Blanton, Crescent, Interplay, Ascenseur Pour L’echafaud, Alone in San Francisco, First Take, all amazing. I’ll have to check out the others (I love Shirley Horn) Would be great to see a series of lists like this. Here’s ten of my lesser-known favorites: 10. Larry Young - Of Love and Peace 9. Gil Mellé Quartet - Quadrama 8. Pete La Roca - Turkish Women at the Bath 7. Sam Rivers - Waves 6. Randy Weston Trio with Cecil Payne - Jazz à la Bohemia 5. Jimmy Giuffre 3 - Thesis 4. Carmen McRae - Bittersweet 3. John Coltrane - First Meditations (for quartet) 2. Rahsaan Roland Kirk - Rahsaan Rahsaan 1. Art Farmer Quartet - Sing Me Softly of the Blues Honorable Mention - Cannonball Adderley Sextet in New York (with Nat Adderley and Yusef Lateef), Walt Dickerson Plays Unity, Herbie Mann & the Bill Evans Trio - Nirvana, Honi Gordon - Honi Gordon Sings, Ornette Coleman - Body Meta That order and list could change on a daily basis as I know I’m forgetting many more I’d like to include.

[@pianopeter]

fantastic list, thanks for sharing. Carmen McRae!! What an artist...🙏🏼

[@DavidRamsey1]

Great additional list. Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Haven't listened to him in a while, but now I have to go do it. Unique talent!

[@T.Ramby11]

@@pianopeter anytime. Carmen McRae, my favorite singer! And really enjoying the Joni Letters today. Thank you.

[@T.Ramby11]

@@DavidRamsey1 thanks! Highlight track of Rahsaan Rahsaan has to be the Dvorak-Sentimental Journey-Rogers and Hart medley. Amazing what he does with the different melodies on his horns!

[@Dave-xz1hg]

deep list there. Thanks for the reminders and new recommendations! I've never listened to 7 of these, but will remedy that ASAP!

[@XCPRTP]

Thanks so much for pulling this together!!!

[@mbaker7775]

So good to see Dianne Reeves appreciated (haven't seen anyone react to that selection as I scrolled thru comments). Got a chance to see her live early after her first LP and loved her ever since. I urge others to check out her catalog.

[@musingsandmusic]

Yes, I am with you. Dianne Reeves never gets a mention, even when people discuss female vocalists

[@MsTexas73]

I agree.

[@pianopeter]

💯

[@giuseppeagresta1425]

I first (unknowingly) listened to her because of her collaboration with Calder in "Ancient Source" (killer song, give it a chance if you feel like to) I recognized her almost immediately when I heard her in this list, I'll definitely check out for some of her catalogue later :)

[@josephbaray5029]

Thank you, Peter! I always love and appreciate all the music content you share with us so generously!🎹🎶

[@pianopeter]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@eddyduggo]

How about some Keith Jarrett? I know he’s generally considered a piano giant of sorts but in my experience with the musician community he is largely ignored and occasionally despised. I know his personality has a reputation for being dislikable but I have yet to meet anyone who really knows him personally. From my perspective his gifts, such as his ability to stir a wide range of emotions, the breadth of his aesthetic, his pianistic touch, his improvisational creativity (some of the solo concerts are not of this world) and his originality amongst other things are extraordinary. I’m often surprised that I don’t frequently encounter musicians who are genuinely excited about his contributions. I find myself wondering why this is so and question the objectivity and sincerity of this trend within the musical communities I have experienced because musically it simply doesn’t make any sense.

[@kmjofpdrey]

With you, but, “Largely ignored in the musician community” ? “Occasionally despised”? Certainly not within the knowledgeable music community. Its all subjective, of course, and while his involuntary physical/vocal involvement with the piano may make some uncomfortable, those who recognize the depth of the beauty they are beholding are awe struck by the whole package. Keith is certainly revered, cherished a recognized as a GOAT by millions of sophisticated listeners. Some young listeners may be more influenced by Spotify trends than exploring history, but KJ sits on Mt. Olympus for sure. No player has come close to moving me in live performance the way Keith has (w/Jack & Gary). Of his prodigious and varied discography, I might suggest the oh so quiet “The Melody At Night, With You” for its pristine simplicity and beauty. Also, “At The Deer Head Inn” - smoking live performance.

[@eddyduggo]

@@kmjofpdrey I am commenting on the communities of musicians that I’ve experienced which include pockets in several large east coast cities. It’s something that I’ve observed repeatedly. It seems that the “pretty” quality of his music is something that machismo musicians struggle to appreciate and there whiffs of racial issues too. I’m just surprised that there’s seldom a jazz piano discussion where Herbie and McCoy aren’t mentioned and Keith is commonly overlooked. It’s interesting.

[@eddyduggo]

And yes, in the grander scheme, I agree with your comments about Keith sitting on Mount Olympus. I also agree with your comments about the music and the recordings you recommended. Great music!

[@splotbang8296]

I had the same thought. Jarrett is rarely included in such lists even though Koln Concert is widely acknowledged as being a masterpiece of improvised piano. In my books, Facing You is another unique work of genius. He definitely did a poor job of promoting his humanity throughout his playing career. He has, in more recent interviews, been able to show his warm side.

[@jayclarke5466]

@@kmjofpdreyLoved yr KJ points.on byablue his wife s composition ‘Rainbow’ is one for the ages…cascading lyrical explosions ,beautifully woven with some in n out astounding lines…emotionally beautiful, that just keeps ripping chilling beauty

[@zebop917]

There’s no doubt that these are 10 albums that should bring great pleasure to anyone who already appreciates jazz and could serve as an intro to jazz too. L’Ascenceur Pour L’Echafaud is a really good pick- going to have to listen to that again soon. My personal top 10 list would likely always include something by Tubby Hayes not because he’s necessarily one of the best purveyors of bebop but he’s the one who got me to appreciate it when I came to his music somewhat late in life.

[@phineashogarth8148]

Sadly, even Tubby admitted that he couldn't pull a melody out of all those fast changes, voice-leading, which makes his playing rather tedious after a while. I saw him several times at the Marquee, as a quartet. The atmosphere made it OK, but he was playing second fiddle to the brilliant Joe Harriott Quintet on a Saturday night c.1961, who could genuinely challenge for a place in the top ten.

[@peterverdon645]

So glad this video popped up in my feed. Inspired me to track down some performances and performers I was unaware of. Thanks!!

[@tatoarg9508]

I gotta say Sam Rivers' "Contours" is an absolute bomb of an album. I hardly ever see it listed, don't know why. It's personal, surprising and fresh still today, imo.

[@pianopeter]

I've overlooked it in my personal listening...thanks for the reminder.

[@Dave-xz1hg]

great one!

[@ccjmanray8202]

When it comes to Sam, I'll take "Fuchsia Swing Song."

[@maciek_d]

Etcetra by Wayne Shorter. What a masterpiece! Most would not put it onto Shorters top 5 or top 10 albums but believe me. If you havent listened to it yet - DO IT. You’re welcome! 😊

[@arikayemusic]

I agree! Cecil McBee & Joe Chambers really complete it

[@maciek_d]

@@arikayemusicyeah. Rhythm section is amazing. Soundscapes.

[@jazzfan7491]

There would definitely be a Wayne 60s Blue Note album on my list if I made a list like this, possibly Adam’s Apple

[@Dave-xz1hg]

no doubt. A def some Newk! @@jazzfan7491

[@williwombat1066]

Thank You. I love the path that you took here. These are very good selections and some new standards. Much appreciated. Subscribed.

[@hermannfried4111]

Many thank. Listening to Jazz for ages but did not know most of your suggested albums. What a great experience!

[@docbobster]

Yes -- Crescent! My favorite Coltrane album, and one of my very favorite jazz albums ever. And Ascenseur Pour L'échafaud is so great. But Roberta Flack's First Take is an inspired and unexpected choice.

[@pianopeter]

appreciate your words 🙏🏼

[@PhilHenDrums]

Very interesting list; I like where you go with it. I have to toss into the mix "The Music" by the Clayton Brothers: John Clayton (bass), Jeff Clayton (reeds), Jeff Hamilton (drums), and Bill Cunliffe (piano). The touch and emotion on that album from all four players is simply superb, and the programming of the record (a dying art) is masterful. If the album is unfamiliar, I would start with the song "I Concentrate on You".

[@stephenmthompson272]

I wanted to hate your list! But I love it! As a piano plodder (what I do could never be mistaken for playing) I am a huge Shirley Horn fan. The Miles & Bill Evans LPs you featured are simply brilliant. Great job!

[@pianopeter]

thanks for your words, appreciate them

[@ThePerkri]

Thank you! Just added them all to my playlist, and can’t wait to go exploring. Two new artists for me to dive into, and 9 new records. Very excited. Where to begin…

[@matthewbolton6015]

Great, diverse top 10 Peter. I think the Roberta Flack album is a great choice! Anyway - here's another 10 (in no particular order): Miles Davis - The '58 Sessions Aretha Franklin - Yeah!!! Jarrett Trio - Still Live Erroll Garner - Concert by the Sea Return to Forever - Light as a Feather Egberto Gismonti - Alma Michel Camilo - One More Once Getz/Gilberto Herbie Hancock - The New Standard Pat Metheny Group - Still Life (Talking)

[@pianopeter]

I had to look up that Miles record, and then remembered from listening many years ago - that Bill Evans intro on Green Dolphin 😘

[@matthewbolton6015]

@@pianopeter Yes - Green Dolphin is fantastic. As is the Love for Sale which I first heard on this weird, rather incoherent outtakes compilation called Circle in the Round. It's been my go to Love for Sale ever since ... just beautiful from start to finish.

[@FarewellApollo]

That pat metheny record is top tier

[@arseniojenkins43]

You know your "S"

[@seanleroy77]

Quick T10 hit 10. The Nurturer - G. Allen 9. Dances and Ballads - WSQ 8. Expansions - D. Holland 7. The Prisoner - H. Hancock 6. Intermodulation - Evans/Hall 5. Broken Shadows - T. Berne 4. Village Vanguard Again - Trane 3. At the 5 Spot - Dolphy/B. Little 2. Live @ the Lighthouse - E. Jones 1. While the Gate is Still Open - G. Thomas

[@alvo61]

This is a much more interesting list than Peters.

[@Dave-xz1hg]

This is a delicious list! Never heard four of them - must remedy. Thanks!

[@NJacana]

Yes, Dolphy belongs on any list.

[@n8w8rem22]

I miss 1, Chick corea - Return to forever , and 2 ,Patrica Beysens - Circels , and 3, Modern Jazz Quartet - Last Concert. 3 super albums to ☝🏻

[@antoniomelo6936]

Here's my "not that obvious" top ten jazz albums of all time: Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges - Back to back Paul Desmond and Gerry Mulligan - Two of a mind Gerry Mulligan - What is there to say Chet Baker - Peace Charles Lloyd - Voice in the night Ginger Baker - Coward of the county Rabih Abou-Khalil - The sultan's picnic Jacinta - A tribute to Bessie Smith Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden - Jasmine Bernardo Sassetti Trio - Motion

[@joanarocha4431]

Lament for Thelonious, from Chet Baker's Peace is a hidden gem

[@clintonmaffett8695]

Who are you?

[@brendajohnson5525]

Wow! I'm so glad that I came upon your video. Thanks so much! ❤

[@yes_its_THE_Dave_Alleckna]

Thank you, brother! Great list and indeed, not all of them would have been on my list! Will give them a good listen-to. I am a big sucker for scandinavian jazz. LOVE Esbjörn Svensson Trio - and here perhaps the most "Good Morning Susie Soho". Feelings, man! As well, one of my most listened to albums is from a Swedish saxophone player, Per "Texas" Johansson and here perhaps the album "Alla Mina Kompisar" ("all my friends"). This is where I fell in love with pedal steel guitar in jazz. Listen to "miljarder stjärnor" ("millions of stars"). FEELINGS, man!!!

[@Dave-xz1hg]

Thanks for the reminders on these, Peter. Here's a Top 10 More: The Audience With Betty Carter (1980) The Hub of Hubbard (1969) In All Languages - Ornette Coleman (1987) Gettin' Together - Art Pepper (1960) Four For Trane - Archie Shepp (1964) The Peacocks - Stan Getz presents Jimmy Rowles (1975) Monk's Dream (1962) Alfie - Sonny Rollins (1966) Such Sweet Thunder - Duke Ellington (1957) Crescent - John Coltrane (1964) and one more for good measure - Eventuality:The Charlie Kohlhase Quintet Plays the Music of Roswell Rudd - Roswell Rudd/Charlie Kohlhase (2001)

[@SUBRASHANKAR]

Excellent compilation!! Really a curated list. I didn’t know a few of these artists - great that you expanded my jazz knowledge.

[@pianopeter]

🙏

[@jackdolphy8965]

Spot on bullseye list indeed. Great calls. I’m always in tears with Lonnie’s Lament, over the past 52 years to first hearing Crescent when I was 16. And #1 is a blow your mind bringing us back to when we were young and loved this , and Chapter 2!

[@paulhunt9375]

Spot On - John Coltrane’s Crescent and Lonnie’s Lament 🙌. All of the Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor output is killin ! You also named some others that I need to definitely pickup…. My Top Ten Acoustic Jazz - No Particular Order - There are so many…. Miles Davis - My Funny Valentine John Coltrane - Crescent Herbie Hancock - The Prisoner Wayne Shorter - Adam’s Apple Wynton Marsalis - Standard Time Vol. 3 Kenny Burrell - Midnight Blue Joshua Redman - Moodswing Carmen McRae - Sings Monk Lee Morgan - Search For Thé New Land Art Blakey - Indestructible

[@pianopeter]

tbh "My Funny Valentine" is the Miles album I would take to an actual desert island if I can only take 1 😂....and Prisoner - YEAH!

[@paulhunt9375]

@@pianopeter Totally Agree !!!

[@mikehughes5805]

The man may have a point! Peter, thanks for this list. The joy is in always getting new lists to listen to. I love the later albums by artists. It shows they have still grown. That is why Jazz is so great

[@pianopeter]

💯

[@yorkyoh]

THANK YOU: this is some list!!!Enjoyed it! and made notes! What an inspiration, thanx again, cheers, york.

[@robertwheeler4068]

Thank you for continuing to help broadening my listening experience of this amazingly incredible music, known as JAZZ !🎵🎶😎❤🔥👌

[@dannyweiss4903]

Great list Peter. I would add, if possible -- Anthony Braxton's Five Pieces 1975, Steve Swallow's Home, Ethnic Heritage Ensemble's Dance With the Ancestors, Larry Goldings' As One, and Lee Konitz/Albert Mangelsdorf's Art of the Duo.

[@nakim55]

To avant garde for these people

[@Erschophone]

@@nakim55 There's room for everybody and everything! I'm a big fan of Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and Bobby Blue Bland but also Ornette Coleman, Andrew Hill and Sam Rivers as well : why not? It all flows from the same source.

[@mattrice3991]

Being a new listener (Well not really new, just stuck in my ways) and starting to branch out from the "norm", this list is refreshing. Thank you so much. You've given me another rabbit hole to go down with some of these artist. Much Love!

[@pianopeter]

right back ya, thank you 🙏🏼

[@salamwati9281]

Wow..This One For Blanton is real eargasm..Mister your channel is a cut above the rest.. preview of a track each no matter how brief really drives the point home..and the omissions of great but overhyped album is a welcome relief. And your clear voice goes over with great conviction..takes me back when i am working at Tower Records Jazz department. 😊

[@al201103]

Well...that was excellent! Too many things to say, so I'll say this. I am always on the look out for new music. My tastes range wide and far, and yet I am also picky. There are at least five albums on this list that I'll now go and track down. Thank you so much!!

[@pianopeter]

your welcome 🙏🏼

[@CharlesAustin]

Shirley Horn is such a good place to start. Such piano mastery and strength in her vocals create such an enormously striking balance and a powerfully expressive performance every time..

[@pianopeter]

💯

[@fabriziovigni4076]

Great video! Glad to have found your channel! Crescent is my favorite John Coltrane's album!

[@livy1962]

Your list is AMAZING!! Love the "Jazz" concept applied here. You stepped somewhat away from the known, tried-n-true standards. The Miles selection was spot on. Discovered this album in a used record store a few years back and MAN, it's a stunner. Thanks for thinking outside the box (as a good jazz man should).

[@pianopeter]

Your welcome, and thx for your comment

[@edleifer6719]

Loved the Shirley Horn and Bill Evans picks, but I would definitely have gone with the Roy Hargrove/Mulgrew Miller "In Harmony" recent release as my pick for any Hargrove related album. Those two create some magic that is rarely heard on any recording and as a duo they compliment each other perfectly.

[@gautrstafr]

Interplay is actually one of my top five favorite jazz albums, glad to see it in number 2. Undercurrent is also a masterpiece.

[@pianopeter]

💯

[@jontaylor5482]

This is great - thank you! I love jazz but am only recently beginning to dig past the classics so this video is a Godsend - your picks are spot on. To think I might never have heard the RH Factor without your input. That is a beautiful record! I’ve already gone and purchased the Herbie Hancock too… thanks so much - this is a massively valuable video to the likes of me - hugely appreciated! 👍👍👍

[@jazzhook3310]

Refreshing! I love your frickin list! Some I have in my collection but many I don’t and will be checking out. Thank you. And for all your other content!

[@pianopeter]

your welcome! 🙏🏼

[@jeromemausling6324]

Thanks for opening my eyes and ears to this selection. What a great selection of albums. A favorite of mine is Something Else by Cannonball Adderley. Miles' playing on this album is sublime

[@al201103]

Something Else is very aptly named - a favourite of mine as well. Blues In Orbit, for me, is very much a companion album despite them not being connected. I'm sure you've heard it, but Kenny Burrell's Midnight Blue is up there with the other "Blue" album as far as I'm concerned - at least in terms of listenability.

[@jackwezesa1081]

Nice video. I love the Roberta Flack album and Miles is my favorite. What do think of Mose Allison’s music? The guy was the definition of cool ( 2nd to Miles )!

[@jeromemausling6324]

​@al201103 thanks for the suggestion...I'll check out Blues in Orbit. The Kenny Burrell album is fantastic

[@aeon4901]

You gave me a couple of albums to listen to, thanks! 😁

[@pianopeter]

awesome

[@mathewwallis2863]

Fantastic list! The Shirley Horn, and the Miles Davis picks are two of my favorite albums of all time! Well done!

[@perryrivera9033]

Peter - I love your channel! Fantastic list and insight. Looking fwd to your next post.

[@pianopeter]

thank u sir!

[@lachytorriente]

for me Black Radio (2012)by Robert Glasper is the album that changed the panorama and sound of current jazz worldwide, it’s the best of all time

[@andersonxpablo]

Dude .... picking the top ten jazz albums of all time is a damn stupid thing to do, but if you're still going to do it, at least do it right (because there are a lot of innocent people hanging around the net who tend to believe every damn thing fools like you say, and I don't think is a healthy contribution at all. By the way, have you thought about wearing a wig? It would be more real than your top ten albums, that's for sure.

[@andersonxpablo]

Dude .... picking the top ten jazz albums of all time is a damn stupid thing to do, but if you're still going to do it, at least do it right (because there are a lot of innocent people hanging around the net who tend to believe every damn thing fools like you say, and I don't think is a healthy contribution at all. By the way, have you thought about wearing a wig? It would be more real than your top ten albums, that's for sure.

[@samrozell1905]

This is great. I’d love to see more album recommendation videos like these. Edit: like more of these lesser know “inside picks”

[@pianopeter]

more to come for sure

[@casablanca2745]

Nice picks, enjoyed that. Always loved Duke’s Far East Suite and the great contributions from Billy Strayhorn. Just subscribed, thanks.

[@juanmartinbarrailhortiz9159]

Bien ahí pelado! 💪🏻you makeme discover greats albums that I didn't know. Thanks. Gracias!

[@halbrx]

Very cool list, thank you! I especially like your picks for Monk & Bill Evans. For me, most noticeably absent is Eric Dolphy: “Out To Lunch.” Check it out y’all! ✌🏻

[@davewills94]

Feel proud that two of these albums are on my “can’t live without” list. Crescent, and River: Joni Mitchell letters

[@nakim55]

😂

[@apian29]

Loved the video guys thanks for the recommendations

[@shkyrbty]

Wow, what a great list, thank you! I've got a few years of listening in front of me. Funny, I was closing up at work tonight and turning the sound up, playing some tunes from an album my brother gave me (the saxophonist who's turned me on to so much great music). This is a favorite album of mine and I was thinking, this has got to be one of the great all-time jazz records (even if not recognized by the mainstreamers): Oliver Nelson--The Blues and the Abstract Truth. Never grows old! Thank you again for opening our ears!

[@pianopeter]

your welcome -and 💯 on your album addition!

[@cademosley4886]

Fun list! The one I'm especially on board with is that Monk album. It's always been an important & much loved album for me. The whole video reminds me of one of my favorite Norm McDonald jokes: I got stuck on a deserted island once, and I gotta say, those 10 CDs I brought with me didn't help a damn thing! XD

[@pianopeter]

😂

[@Dave-xz1hg]

Norm! 😆

[@terrywilma]

A very creative and interesting list including some obscure pieces... Roberta is great. I saw her in DC in a Stanley Turrentine sit-in back in the day before she was even known, and she was fabulous then, even before the world heard of her.

[@Anamolouslou]

Thanks so much! Adding all of these to my Spotify list!

[@guyboisvert66]

Thank you for sharing this top 10, love it! I like the fact it was a bit outside the obvious ones, i love to discover new stuff. Here in Montreal, we're pleased to have the Jazz Festival: It's another chance to enjoy / discover music. I was lucky to get tickets in 2022 when the Brubeck Brothers came: It was in Gesù theater, inside a Church, great show! I'll try to get the albums of your top 10 i don't have (hope they are good recordings). As i am an audiophile too, i'm in heaven when i hear great jazz musicians on a well recorded / mixed / mastered all digital media! Great recording is a big plus. I'd say that in my record collection, Patricia Barber's albums are probably the best sounding ones i have. With my new DAC, it's simply MARVELOUS!

[@pianopeter]

Montreal Jazz Fest is indeed a great event, and a fantastic city - cheers!