Rhythm-and-blues has been home to some of the most powerful and influential female voices in music history. From the early days of the genre to the present, women have made their mark with their stunning vocals, raw emotion, and fierce independence. Here, you can find a summary of the women who have been at the forefront of shaping the genre since its inception.
These women have shown that rhythm-and-blues is not just a genre of music, but a platform for self-expression, empowerment, and social change. Through their music, they have inspired generations of women to be strong, independent, and true to themselves. Their contributions to the world of music will always be remembered, and their influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
This article is written in memory and honor of Shirley Elliston († October 5, 2005, New York City) Shirley Ellis is one of the most exciting performers in the world of popular music today. This…
With a recognizable drum intro from David Albert ‘Panama’ Francis, and with guidance on the tenor sax by Sam ‘The Man’ Taylor, LaVern Baker hit the charts in 1956 with the song ‘Jim Dandy’. The…
Shirley Ellis, born Shirley Marie O’Garra in 1929, was an American soul singer and songwriter who gained international fame during the 1960s. Although her active recording span was short, Shirley Ellis left us with many…
As a music genre, jazz holds a significant position in the global music scene. With its unique improvisational approach and wide range of influences, jazz has enthralled music enthusiasts for more than a century. Whether you’re a newcomer to the genre or an avid vinyl collector, there are a few indispensable albums that you shouldn’t miss.
It was hard to narrow it down, but here are the 5 essential and highly acclaimed jazz records you should own.
1. Kind of Blue – Miles Davis
“Kind of Blue” is the undisputed champion of jazz records and it’s unlikely that you’ll come across a list where the album isn’t ranked at number one, it simply stands above all the rest. But why?
First and foremost, “Kind of Blue” is a masterpiece of improvisation. Miles Davis and his band, which included jazz icons like John Coltrane and Bill Evans, recorded the album in just two sessions, and much of it was improvised on the spot. The result is a sound that is both innovative and deeply emotional. It departs from Davis’s earlier hard bop jazz style, which featured intricate chord progressions and improvisation, and is instead entirely based on modality. Each musician was given a specific set of scales that defined the boundaries of their improvisation and personal style, resulting in a series of modal sketches comprising the entire album.
But “Kind of Blue” is more than just a technical achievement. It’s an album that captures the very essence of jazz – its soulful, melancholic beauty. From the opening notes of “So What” to the closing strains of “Flamenco Sketches,” the album takes the listener on a journey through the heart of jazz music.
2. A Love Supreme – John Coltrane
There are few jazz albums as revered and influential as John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme.” Released in 1965, it is widely regarded as not only one of the best jazz albums ever released but as one of the greatest albums in music history. From its spiritual themes to its innovative approach to improvisation, “A Love Supreme” remains a groundbreaking and enduring work of art
John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” is a transformative and deeply personal work that speaks to the heart of human experience. As a listener, I am drawn in by the raw emotion and spiritual depth of the album, which was released by Impulse! Records in 1965. Coltrane’s tenor saxophone playing is both virtuosic and soulful, conveying a sense of urgency and purpose that reflects his search for enlightenment.
The album is comprised of four parts: “Acknowledgment,” “Resolution,” “Pursuance,” and “Psalm.” Each part builds upon the previous one, forming a cohesive and emotionally impactful musical journey. The album’s themes revolve around Coltrane’s spiritual awakening and his desire to express his gratitude and devotion to a higher power.
3. Time Out – The Dave Brubeck Quartet
“Time Out”, the 1959 album by The Dave Brubeck Quartet, is a landmark album in jazz history that transcends the boundaries of the genre. The album features a series of complex and innovative time signatures that were unusual for jazz at the time, and it has become one of the most beloved and essential jazz albums of all time.
The quartet includes Dave Brubeck on piano, Paul Desmond on alto saxophone, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums. The album is characterized by the group’s use of unusual time signatures, for example the iconic “Take Five,” which is played in 5/4 time. “Take Five” is undoubtedly the album’s most famous track and has become a jazz standard in its own right. The track features an infectious melody that is both catchy and sophisticated, with Desmond’s alto saxophone taking the lead and Brubeck’s piano providing the rhythmic foundation.
“Time Out’s” influence on jazz and popular music cannot be overstated. The album paved the way for other jazz musicians to experiment with unusual time signatures and brought jazz to a wider audience.
4. Somethin’ Else – Cannonball Adderley
“Somethin’ Else,” the 1958 album by the legendary saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, is a staple of the jazz world. This album is a true masterpiece that stands the test of time with its unique sound and an all-star ensemble that includes Miles Davis on trumpet, Hank Jones on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Art Blakey on drums.
The title track “Somethin’ Else” is an absolute gem of a composition by Adderley, where the musicians blend hard bop and soulful blues to create an unforgettable sound. The track is a masterpiece in its own right. Apart from the title track, the album boasts some of the most iconic jazz tracks of the era. “Autumn Leaves” is a beautiful rendition of the classic jazz standard that showcases Adderley’s soulful playing, while “One for Daddy-O” is a groove-based piece that features the band’s effortless synergy and their ability to lock in tight.
The musicians on this album were at the top of their game, with Miles Davis’s legendary trumpet work being a standout feature. The interplay between Davis and Adderley is electrifying, and the two create a magical blend of sounds that are both breathtaking and awe-inspiring.
5. The Shape of Jazz to Come – Ornette Coleman
“The Shape of Jazz to Come” features Ornette Coleman’s unconventional approach to jazz and challenged the traditional notions of harmony, melody, and rhythm, and paved the way for the free jazz movement of the 1960s. The album features a quartet that includes Coleman on alto saxophone, Don Cherry on trumpet, Charlie Haden on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. The quartet’s sound is raw and free-flowing, with Coleman’s unorthodox melodies and Cherry’s angular trumpet lines creating a sense of tension and release.
The title track, “The Shape of Jazz to Come,” is a stunning piece that showcases Coleman’s innovative approach to composition. The track features an unpredictable melody that is both chaotic and beautiful, with Coleman’s saxophone soaring above the rhythm section. Another standout track is “Lonely Woman,” a haunting ballad that has become one of Coleman’s most well-known compositions. The track features Coleman’s melancholic saxophone playing, with Haden’s bass providing a mournful accompaniment.
“The Shape of Jazz to Come” was not just a departure from the traditional jazz of the time; it was a revolution. Coleman’s music challenged the status quo and opened up new possibilities for the genre. His influence on the jazz world cannot be overstated, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians.
Rhythm-and-blues has been home to some of the most powerful and influential female voices in music history. From the early days of the genre to the present, women have made their mark with their stunning…
As 2022 came and went, there were many events that affected me on a personal level. Amidst all the turmoil, music served as a constant source of comfort and stability. Among the various genres, jazz…
Event recap: Palac Akropolis, October 23, 2022 Palac Acropolis, a cozy and historic venue nestled in the Zizkov district of Prague, played host to an unforgettable evening of contemporary jazz music from England. Known for…
As 2022 came and went, there were many events that affected me on a personal level. Amidst all the turmoil, music served as a constant source of comfort and stability. Among the various genres, jazz music stood out to me as a beacon of hope and progress.
As such, I have compiled a list of the top five jazz albums released in 2022, according to my personal taste and preferences.
Ghost Song – Cécile McLorin Salvant
March 2022 / Nonesuch Records
Cécile McLorin Salvant’s album “Ghost Song” is a haunting and evocative collection of 20th-century songs, including the Kate Bush classic “Wuthering Heights,” that showcases her immense talent as a vocalist and storyteller. Her voice is a marvel, conveying a range of emotions and stories with remarkable power and nuance. Her work on “Ghost Song” has firmly established her as one of the foremost voices in contemporary jazz.
Grief – Samora Pinderhughes
March 2022 / Stretch Music
The original songs featured on “Grief” are part of a larger multimedia project (The Healing Project) created by pianist, vocalist, and activist Samora Pinderhughes through interviewing hundreds of colored individuals who were wrongfully impacted by the criminal justice system.
The 7th Hand – Immanuel Wilkins
January 2022 / Blue Note
Immanuel Wilkins’ “The 7th Hand” serves as a sequel to his widely discussed Blue Note debut album, “Omega,” which was released in 2020. With the same quartet, Wilkins takes things to the next level. The album is a captivating blend of jazz, classical, and contemporary music that showcases his talent as a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. Immanuel Wilkins has established himself as a promising talent in the jazz world, and one to keep an eye on in the coming years.
In These Times – Makaya McCraven
September 2022 / XL Recordings
Makaya McCraven’s 2022 album “In These Times” is a fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music that tackles themes of social justice, community, and resilience. The album features an impressive range of musicians and showcases McCraven’s skill as an arranger, collaborator, and drummer.
Linger Awhile – Samara Joy
November 2022 / Verve Records
“Linger Awhile” features covers of classic jazz songs and original compositions, showcasing the singer’s beautiful timbre. Standout tracks include “Guess Who I Saw Today,” “Round Midnight,” and a beautiful closing rendition of George Gershwins’ “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Overall, the album is a beautiful tribute to the genre and its influences.
How was 2021 for jazz musicians? Let’s reflect back and list out what were, according to me, the five best jazz albums released during the year. Dear Love – Jazzmeia Horn and Her Noble Force…
2020 wasn’t a great year for culture. Luckily, we still had jazz music and its ability to adapt to any situation. A new generation of musicians emerged and they are blending jazz traditions with spoken…
Palac Acropolis, a cozy and historic venue nestled in the Zizkov district of Prague, played host to an unforgettable evening of contemporary jazz music from England. Known for its diverse range of cultural events, the venue was the perfect setting for the long-awaited performance of the renowned artist, Alfa Mist. The small and intimate atmosphere of Palac Acropolis created incredible energy, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the music experience. It was a night that will forever be etched in our memories as a true highlight of our time in Prague.
Arriving early to secure a prime spot in the front row, we eagerly awaited the start of the concert. For months leading up to the event, Alfa Mist’s albums had been on repeat in our apartment, building anticipation for this momentous occasion. Especially his latest release, “Bring Backs,” where he reflects upon his sampling and hip-hop days, hasn’t left my turntable’s platter.
Alfa Mist’s arrival on stage ignited an intense energy that filled the room. The renowned British jazz pianist and producer, known for his distinctive mix of jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, weaved together complex melodies and harmonies with his band, creating a captivating sound that blended soulfulness and experimentation. The crowd was mesmerized, swaying to the entrancing rhythms and being carried away by the smooth vocals.
As the concert drew to a close, Alfa Mist and his band left the stage with thunderous applause and cheers. The audience had been treated to a truly unforgettable night of music, and it was clear that Alfa Mist’s unique sound had resonated deeply with the Prague crowd.
With his third studio album, the British producer, songwriter, and self-thought pianist Alfa Mist reflects upon his sampling and hip-hop days on the streets of London. After self-releasing his two previous albums – Antiphon and…
Ever since its birth, jazz music has continuously evolved into various subgenres. The American record label Blue Note Records, which got established in 1939, played a significant role in this evolution. The company is a…
Starting a jazz collection is easy, but how can you bring diversity to the mix? Jazz music has evolved since its birth and is still progressing today, this triggered the development of various styles and subgenres. I am calling out ten jazz records that are both essential and diverse. We’ll explore milestones in swing, bop, hard bop, modal jazz, avant-garde jazz, Ethio-jazz, soul-jazz, and afrobeat.
Satchmo At Symphony Hall – Louis Armstrong(Decca, 1951)
To start this list, I call out one of the finest Louis Armstrong recordings. Louis Armstrong had, without doubt, a major impact on the development of New Orleans-style jazz music. He joined several celebrated bands, including Kid Ory’s group and King Oliver’s Creole Jazz. There Armstrong grew as a musician that innovated the genre. Later in his career, he would close the book on traditional New Orleans Jazz and became a prominent figure during the swing era.
Satchmo At Symphony Hall, live recorded in 1947, captured one of his most memorable performances. It was an entertaining evening full of highlights such as one of Armstrong’s earliest hits ‘(What Did I Do To Be So) Black and Blue, and the jazz standard On the Sunny Side of the Street. The recording was issued on DeccaRecords and released to the public on April 30, 1951.
The Cooker – Lee Morgan (Blue Note, 1958)
Trumpeter Lee Morgan was only 19 years old when he led the recording of his Blue Note original album titled The Cooker. The album is a demonstration of Morgan’s early bop-oriented influence and contains improvisation that communicates to the listener. He is playing with a kind of youthful enthusiasm and spontaneity.
Morgan plays exceptionally well for his age. When comparing this album to his previous work, we can notice the speedy development of his skills as a musician and bandleader. Lee Morgan will soon grow to become one of the greatest hard bop trumpeters in jazz history. He would be listed next to other trumpet legends like Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie.
Cannonball Adderley’s Somethin’ Else is a well-known and celebrated jazz classic. It is also one of the few albums featuring trumpeter Miles Davis as a sideman. Adderley was a member of Miles Davis’ sextet at the time the album was recorded so, both musicians understood each other. The album is an interplay between Adderley and Davis. Some tracks are perfectly synchronized call-and-response interactions between the trumpet and alto sax, showcasing their relation to the music and each other.
Looking further down the list of personnel displayed on the album’s cover, we got more big names from the scene: Hank Jones on the piano, Sam Jones on the base, and Art Blakey behind the drums. The track list is as impressive as the list of personnel. All songs seem to be selected carefully, including the opening track, the celebrated jazz standard Autumn Leaves, composed by Joseph Kosma.
Kind of Blue – Miles Davis (Columbia, 1959)
Kind of Blue, by the acclaimed trumpeter Miles Davis, is considered the greatest jazz record of all time by many critics. It’s Miles Davis’s masterpiece, based on a modal approach and sophisticated improvisation rather than using conventional chord changes commonly done in bebop and hard bop style.
Miles Davis invited saxophonists John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley, pianists Bill Evans and Wyn Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Jimmy Cobb. The sextet explored various possibilities of the modal jazz framework. The album got not only rated as the greatest jazz record of all time, today it is still considered one of the most significant musical achievements of the twentieth century.
Giant Steps – John Coltrane (Atlantic, 1960)
In 1954, Coltrane joined The Miles Davis Quintet where he was encouraged to think more harmonically. This was an important milestone in the yet-to-be-written composition of Giant Steps as he was introduced to new possibilities in chord progressions. After a drug addiction that caused him to leave Davis’ band, he started rehearsing with the celebrated Thelonious Monk. This not only helped him recover from his addiction, but it also helped him develop artistically.
Fully recovered and evolved, Coltrane rejoined Miles Davis’ quintet in 1958. The following year, they recorded Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, an album that is claimed to be the most important album in jazz history. Giant Steps was recorded less than a month after the sessions for Kind of Blue. Giant Steps – consisting entirely out of Coltrane’s original compositions – was released in 1960, and despite being a perfect contrast to Kind of Blue, it became a mighty equal. Coltrane masters the skills to compose and record an album that innovated jazz harmonically and rhythmically.
Duke Ellington & John Coltrane (Impulse!, 1963)
World-renowned jazz pianist and composer Duke Ellington regularly partnered with other acclaimed jazz musicians during the early sixties. John Coltrane was no exception. In 1962, the pianist and the tenor saxophonist recorded the self-titled album Duke Ellington & John Coltrane. The recording got released in 1963 and would become the most successful collaboration Duke Ellington undertook during the early sixties. It’s a display of two jazz musicians from a different generation who, despite having a divergent background and relationship with music, communicate politely.
The recording was an opportunity for Duke Ellington to play with a quartet rather than with his usual big band arrangement. Ellington invited drummer Sam Woodyard and double-bassist Aaron Bell, who were both members of his orchestra in 1962, to support this studio session. John Coltrane invited two members of his Classic Quartet, drummer Elvin Jones and bassist Jimmy Garrison.
Out To Lunch! – Eric Dolphy (Blue Note, 1964)
The year nineteen sixty-four was revolutionary when it comes to jazz records. Coltrane recorded his most acclaimed work, A Love Supreme, which got released the following year. Lee Morgan released The Sidewinder, Blue Note‘s best-selling record ever. And saxophonist Wayne Shorter completed his fifth studio album JuJu. Many other state-of-the-art albums got released and, Eric Dolphy’s Out To Lunch! was no exception. This avant-garde jazz masterpiece got described as “a vital alternative to the melodic cliches and rhythmical orthodoxy of the hard-bop mainstream (A.B. Spellman).”
Dolphy’s unique compositional style is present throughout the album. He juggles with the theory behind jazz harmony by using unusual wide intervals. Dolphy explains that he is trying to incorporate what he hears: “I hear other resolutions on the basic harmonic patterns, and I try to use them.”
Mulatu Of Ethiopia – Mulatu Astatke (Worthy Records, 1972)
Ethiopian jazz musician and composer Mulatu Astatke had one important goal. He got inspired by jazz music and wanted to promote and actively use Ethiopian music in his jazz compositions. “The Nigerian and Ghanaian people living in London, they were very active in promoting it [their local music] so, I decided to start working more on our Ethiopian music.” he said, referring to his time in London during the 1950s. And so he did. Mulatu Astatke focused on fusing the Ethiopian 5 note scales against the 12 note scales of jazz. He created a different sound without losing the subtlety of both genres. The new sound got documented as Ethio-jazz, and Mulatu Astatke was its father.
Mulatu Astatke is the inventor of Ethio-jazz. The album Mulatu Of Ethiopia, recorded and released in 1972, is a well-documented proof of that. As a multi-instrumentalist, focussing mainly on percussion and the vibraphone, he brings moody rhythmical patterns influenced by jazz, funk, Latin and African music.
Afro Blue – Dee Dee Bridgewater (Trio Records, 1974)
Dee Dee Bridgewater, born Denise Garrett (1950), is an award-winning singer-songwriter with a career encompassing jazz, soul, and disco. Her debut studio album Afro Blue is a timeless soul-jazz masterpiece that highlights her exceptional vocal abilities. The album features a song collection compiled from various music genres. Most songs are arranged by jazz trumpeter and Dee Dee’s husband, Cecil Bridgewater.
The album features various acclaimed jazz songs such as Horace Silver’s Love Vibrations (1970), Little B’s Poem by vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson (1965), and of course, the title track Afro Blue, a jazz standard by Mongo Santamaria (1956).
The Source – Tony Allen (Blue Note, 2017)
Tony Allen’s 2017 mini-album release A Tribute To Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers was a unique opportunity to marry his afrobeat rhythms with Art Blakey’s hard bop influences. It also served as a forerunner for his full-length Blue Note debut The Source in which he further explores the relationship between African music and western jazz.
The long-time Fela Kuti drummer found inspiration in Art Blakey’s work. Fusing his afrobeat past with jazz gave him a chance to document his interpretations as a self-thought drummer. In The Source, Tony Allen continues to return to his jazz roots. This time, he explores a wider web of jazz influences. The album includes eleven tracks composed and arranged by Tony Allen and saxophonist Yann Jankielewicz.
John Coltrane started his musical journey in 1949 under the spell of Charlie Parker and later Dizzy Gillespie. In 1954, he joined The Miles Davis Quintet where he was encouraged to think more harmonically. During…
What attracts me to an album apart from the music, is the sleeve design. Here are again five designs that inspired me. The artwork is stunning and at the same time, it contributes to the…
How was 2021 for jazz musicians? Let’s reflect back and list out what were, according to me, the five best jazz albums released during the year. Dear Love – Jazzmeia Horn and Her Noble Force…
Have you ever heard a life story that was too powerful to believe? Below you can find five biographical documentaries that challenged the truth and caused controversy and disbelief among the public.
Amy
2015 / Asif Kapadia (director)
“A sad, stark study of a public life and death” is how The Guardian describes this raw and controversial documentary about Amy Winehouse’s volatile life. The film contains home-video footage and testimonials of friends and family. And because the director got complete access to the song catalog, we can also follow Amy Winehouse via her music.
“Amy” is an intimate experience. It pictures the rise and fall of the English singer-songwriter in a tender but sometimes uncomfortable way. It consciously steps away from the commercial music brand and shows Amy Winehouse as a human.
The Two Killings of Sam Cooke
2019 / Kelly Duane (director) / Jeff Zimbalist & Michael Zimbalist (writer)
Sam Cooke rose to fame as one of the most influential soul singers of the century. He established his own record label (SAR Records) and publishing company (Kags). He was also active as a civil rights activist and had thighs with Malcolm X.
This documentary tells the story of Cooke’s life and investigates the controversy around his mysterious murder in 1964. The question of whether his murder was related to his involvement with the civil rights movement, or the mob that wanted to take over his publishing company, are central elements in the final chapter of this documentary.
I Called Him Morgan
2016 / Kasper Collin (director & writer)
“I called him Morgan” are the words of Helen Morgan in an interview she gave two decades after she shot and killed her common-law husband, Lee Morgan.
The documentary is not a study into the life of hard bob trumpeter Lee Morgan. Instead, It’s a drama narrating the relationship between him and Helen. Via interviews with former band members and friends, we get a picture of what caused the fatal shooting of this celebrated musician who featured in bands with Dizzy Gillespie and Art Blakey.
Lee Morgan’s story is spellbinding. A young talented musician who struggled with a drug addiction and got murdered. This is the story of a musician who obtained his place in history next to Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, or Miles Davis, as one of the greatest trumpet players in history.
What Happened, Miss Simone?
2015 / Liz Garbus (director & writer)
A breathtaking documentary of the life of legend Nina Simone. The story, written and directed by Liz Garbus, tells the story of her life as a singer, pianist, and civil rights activist. The documentary features unreleased images, concert footage, and interviews.
The documentary attempts to understand Nina Simone’s civil rights activism and the impact it had on her musical career. It perfectly captures who Nina Simone was, her honesty when performing, and her protest that led to her being banned from radio stations. Songs like ‘Mississippi Goddam‘ turned her into a controversial female lack singer embraced by the civil rights movement but rejected by the music industry.
Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary
2016 / John Scheinfeld (director & writer)
Chasing Trane is an epic portrait of the legendary forward-thinking saxophonist who innovated and influenced jazz music in many ways. This story explores the impact of Coltrane’s life on the music he made.
It’s a classic, well-made biographical movie built on personal interviews with his children and grandchildren, friends, and fellow musicians. It creates honest insights into the life of the jazz titan. The documentary includes footage of Coltrane’s performances and uses the musician’s own words, read by Denzel Washington. At times, it analysis Coltrane’s compositions and his unique way of playing.
It’s not an easy task to capture the life of jazz titans like John Coltrane or Miles Davis into a ninety minutes cut. There is a lot of ground to cover before you’re able to give the audience a peek into their minds. Some directors and screenwriters managed to provide us with the best possible…
John Coltrane started his musical journey in 1949 under the spell of Charlie Parker and later Dizzy Gillespie. In 1954, he joined The Miles Davis Quintet where he was encouraged to think more harmonically. During the second half of the nineteen-fifties, he rehearsed extensively with Thelonious Monk. By 1959 Coltrane mastered the skills to compose and record the album that innovated jazz harmonically and rhythmically, and so he released Giant Steps.
The saxophonist continued to explore and develop. He took on numerous projects, collaborated with various jazz legends, and even composed a movie soundtrack. Each album he recorded is unique and spotlights Coltrane’s musical evolution. In this article, you’ll find five diverse albums by one of the most significant jazz musicians of all time.
The second half of the nineteen-fifties defined John Coltrane’s career and helped him come into prominence as a musician and arranger. Underlined is the time as a member in Miles Davis’ First Great Quintet and later sextet, and the period working aside Thelonious Monk. Many recordings featuring Trane‘s support on the tenor saxophone got listed as the most acclaimed and influential jazz albums in history.
Coltrane’s legacy before moving to Atlantic Records in 1959 got well documented by Prestige. Soultrane is the best example of this. The album got described as a demonstration of Coltrane’s late nineteen-fifties “sheet of sound” (Ira Gitler, DownBeat Magazine.) The term is dedicated to John Coltrane and represents the unique improvisational style he developed while working with Thelonious Monk. He loosened up the demanding chords and harmonies of hard bop while maintaining loyalty to its traditional values. Coltrane was given the freedom to improvise when playing along with Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis.
In 1954, Coltrane joined The Miles Davis Quintet where he was encouraged to think more harmonically. This was an important milestone in the yet-to-be-written composition of Giant Steps as he was introduced to new possibilities in chord progressions. After a drug addiction that caused him to leave Davis’ band, he started rehearsing with the celebrated Thelonious Monk. This not only helped him recover from his addiction, but it also helped him develop artistically.
Fully recovered and evolved, Coltrane rejoined Miles Davis’ quintet in 1958. The following year, they recorded Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, an album that is claimed to be the most important album in jazz history. Giant Steps was recorded less than a month after the sessions for Kind of Blue. Giant Steps – consisting entirely out of Coltrane’s original compositions – was released in 1960, and despite being a perfect contrast to Kind of Blue, it became a mighty equal. Coltrane masters the skills to compose and record an album that innovated jazz harmonically and rhythmically.
In the early sixties, John Coltrane’s career and technical abilities peaked. For several years, he would release various historical jazz albums. The saxophonist was a perfectionist, carefully exploring harmonic progressions and multiple rhythms. He was confident in both playing and arranging. Still, while playing with Duke Ellington, he felt honored, imperfect, and challenged. The album Duke Ellington & John Coltrane is a display of two jazz musicians from a different generation who, despite having a divergent background and relationship with music, communicate politely.
The album features acclaimed Ellington standards such as In A Sentimental Mood and some of his new compositions like Take the Coltrane. John Coltrane also added a new composition to the album’s track-list. His work titled BigNick is a tribute to saxophonist George Walker “Big Nick” Nicholas who influenced Coltrane during his time with Dizzy Gillespie. “In thinking back,” Coltrane said, “it seemed to have something that would suit the style he likes to play in. But maybe not?”
The recording was made one month after his collaboration with Duke Ellington was released and features Coltrane’s so-called Classic Quartet: McCoy Tyner on the piano, Jimmy Garrison on the bass, and Elvin Jones behind the drums. The recording got lost but surfaced in 2018.
Both Directions at Once: The Lost Album got released in 2018 and features seven tunes from which two previously unissued tracks: Untitled Original 11383 and Untitled Original 11386. The numbering refers to the identification system used in the studio by Bob Thiele. Aside from the standard one-disc version, also a two-disc deluxe edition containing several alternate takes got released. Spotlighted are the alternate takes of Impressions.
By 1964 saxophonist John Coltrane was one of the leading figures in jazz music. Mainly thanks to his release of Giant Steps in 1960. Officially, he recorded and released two albums that year: the often-overlooked album Crescent, and the well-known masterpiece A Love Supreme. With the recent release of his recording Blue World, we can add a third album to the list.
Blue World, recorded in the Rudy Van Gelder Studio on June 24 (1964,) is a composition for the movie: Le Chat Dans Le Sac (Gilles Groulx, 1964.) The soundtrack was fully composed by John Coltrane. For the recording, he invited his classic 1960s quartet. The album features two alternate takes on the song “Naima“, a ballad he composed for his wife Juanita Naima Grubbs (married 1955-66.) Also notable are the three takes on his composition “Village Blues,“ a song that was originally released on the studio album Coltrane Jazz with Steve Davis on the bass. The Blue World recordings would feature Jimmy Garrison who replaced Steve Davis in 1961.
The second half of the nineteen-fifties defined John Coltrane’s career and helped him come into prominence as a musician and arranger. Underlined is the time as a member in Miles Davis’ First Great Quintet and…
Another lost John Coltrane recording which recently got discovered is the album titled Both Directions at Once: The Lost Album. The album got recorded on March 6, 1963, in the Rudy Van Gelder Studio. The…
By 1964 saxophonist John Coltrane was one of the leading figures in jazz music. Mainly, thanks to his release of Giant Steps in 1960. Officially, he recorded and released two albums that year: the often-overlooked…
John Coltrane’s masterpiece, Giant Steps, turned sixty in 2020 and this was celebrated with an anniversary deluxe edition LP. Let’s have a brief look at how the album came to life and how Coltrane developed,…
World-renowned jazz pianist and composer Duke Ellington regularly partnered with other acclaimed jazz musicians during the early sixties. John Coltrane was no exception. In 1962, the pianist and the tenor saxophonist recorded the self-titled album…
What attracts me to an album apart from the music, is the sleeve design. Here are again five designs that inspired me. The artwork is stunning and at the same time, it contributes to the story of the recording.
With his third studio album, the British producer, songwriter, and self-thought pianist Alfa Mist reflects upon his sampling and hip-hop days on the streets of London. After self-releasing his two previous albums – Antiphon and Structuralism – Alfa Mist partners with the American independent record label Anti- for his next body of work, Brings Back.
The artwork is by Kaya Thomas-Dyke, a close friend of Alfa Mist and the bass guitar player on the album. Alfa Mist drew inspiration from a card game he played as a child. In the game, after winning a round, you can be brought back to play again, meaning that winning is never a sure thing. With it, Alfa Mist refers to his childhood. He lived in a constant state of uncertainty and instability. “You can be doing okay for a while but, that can change. You know that’s always a possibility,” he explains. The unpredictable and inevitable future is a recurring theme on the album. Kaya Thomas-Dyke embodies this theme in the artwork.
2018 / Impulse! 00602567493013 / Osk Studio (design) / Joe Alper (photography)
Both Directions at Once: The Lost Album got recorded in 1963. However, the tapes got lost. John Coltrane’s personal copy was discovered in 2018, and the recording was released that same year. The album was made while under contract with Impulse Records and features Coltrane’s so-called Classic Quartet: McCoy Tyner on the piano, Jimmy Garrison on the bass, and Elvin Jones behind the drums.
The design is stunning, and it’s one of the most distinctive records I have in my collection. On the outside, two cut-out triangles are pointing in both directions. Inside, we have two vinyl records, and the inner sleeves feature portraits of John Coltrane by the photographer Joe Alper. The album comes with a four-panel folded poster capturing one of the most influential groups in music history. Music historian Ashley Kahn added the liner notes, which you can find on the poster’s backside.
We Are Sent Here By History – Shabaka And The Ancestors
The album is a partnership between the British saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings and a large ensemble of South African musicians. The New York Times wrote: “If jazz is looking to reinvent itself, the music of Shabaka And The Ancestors might be a good place to start. Shabaka And The Ancestors are making their own jazz history.”
The cover artwork is by the illustrator Daniela Yohannes who is of Ethiopian-Eritrean heritage. Daniela Yohannes got introduced to the jazz scene in London and facilitated several music events around jazz. She witnessed a whole new generation of musicians, both of European and African descent. She created promotional materials and cover art for jazz groups. As described in her biography: “Her work reflects upon the racialized movement and conditional belonging of African diaspora.“
2020 / Impulse! 00602507112844 / Ryan Rogers (Creative Direction & Design) / Larry Fink, Jim Marshall, Lee Tanner, Veryl Oakland (photography)
In 1968, the sixteen-year-old Danny Scher invited Thelonious Monk and his quartet to play a benefit concert at his high school in Palo Alto, California. The concert was recorded and, more than 50 years later, the music got finally released. T.S. Monk – Thelonious Monk’s son – claims that the recording at the Palo Alto high school is the best one made during his father’s career. “The way he plays, not knowing he was being recorded, was very rare,” he explains.
The cover features a black-and-white image of Thelonious Monk behind his piano. The photo is by the hand of Larry Fink, a noted photographer who is best known for his pictures of people in social situations. The gatefold album on vinyl includes a 12-page booklet with photos, essays, and credits. You also get a replica concert program and poster by the Palo Alto High School International Club.
2022 / Blue Note 0890927 / Jay Vaz (Art Direction & Design) / Dan Medhurst, Daniela Monteiro, Fabrice Bourgelle, Karolina Wielocha, and Michaela Quan (photography)
Ever since its birth, jazz music has continuously evolved into various subgenres. The American record label Blue Note Records played a significant role in this evolution. The company is a landmark in jazz music and has an extensive song catalog that includes many acclaimed jazz standards. Their release Re:imagined is a compilation of Blue Note originals brought by a unique selection of musicians who’ve taken on jazz, soul, hip-hop, and R&B as their musical narrative.
The sleeve design is by the graphic designer and visual artist Jay Vaz. Vaz has a deep passion for music. For his designs, he draws inspiration from old record sleeves and, he embeds heritage to bring meaning. For the design of Re:imagined he tries to visualize sounds through animated vinyl stickers.
My record collection is growing every day and what attracts me to purchasing an album apart from the music is the sleeve design. For this article, I dove into my collection and hand-picked my favorite…
Once again, I dove into my collections in search of inspiring designs. Here are five more record sleeves that tell a story. Mulatu Of Ethiopia – Mulatu Astatke 1972 / Worthy Records 1020 / photo…
September 2021 / Empress Legacy Records ELR001 / US
Dear Love is the third and most ambitious album by Jazzmeia Horn. Her previous albums, A Social Call (2017) and Love & Liberation (2019), both got nominated for Grammy Awards in the category Best Jazz Vocal Album. Dear Love is not only another demonstration of Jazzmeia Horn’s singing ability. The album also spotlights her as a composer, arranger, and bandleader. This orchestral project released on Horn’s label, Empress Legacy Records, has been Grammy nominated for Best Large Jazz Ensemble.
Jazzmeia Horn explains that Dear Love addresses three aspects of her existence: her community, her lover, and herself. She infused the album with poetry and spoken word. Her meaningful and intimate vocals have a consistent timbre, a wide range, and an outstanding timing that perfectly communicates with the big band called Her Noble Force.
With his third studio album titled Bring Backs, the British producer, songwriter, and pianist Alfa Mist reflects on his sampling and hip-hop days on the streets of London. After self-releasing his two previous solo albums – Antiphon in 2017 and Structuralism in 2019 – Alfa Mist partners with the American independent record label Anti- for the release of his next body of work, Brings Back.
Brings Back blends jazz with R&B, hip-hop, classical, and wistful spoken word. The reflective musical voyage alters between an instrumental atmosphere and vocals. While the instrumental atmosphere is present in each track, the vocal-oriented parts of the album lie mainly in the songs “Mind The Gap” and “Organic Rust“.
Deciphering The Message – Makaya McCraven
November 2021 / Blue Note 00602438144730 / US
For the recording of Deciphering The Message, drummer and producer Makaya McCraven dove into the Blue Notecatalog. By rearranging parts, sampling, and adding beats, he presents a contemporary take on jazz classics by among others, Horace Silver, Hank Mobley, Kenny Dorham, and Art Blakey.
In Deciphering The Message, Makaya McCraven does not celebrate jazz by duplicating the originals. He reimagines and innovates tunes without losing their valued core characteristic. The thirteen songs on the album are an homage to the jazz subgenre from the ’50s and ’60s, hard-bop.
Daring Mind – Jihye Lee Orchestra
March 2021 / Motéma MTM-0385 / US
Daring Mind is the work of the South Korean arranger and composer Jihye Lee. Lee, who had no jazz or classical training, originally became a successful indie-pop singer-songwriter. As she began exploring her own identity, she soon discovered large-ensemble jazz to be more satisfactory. She moved to New York and transitioned into a jazz composer under the guidance of pianist Jim McNeely.
Lee’s experience in pop music gave her a creative view on jazz composition. “Jihye Lee is emerging as a strong voice in the ‘next generation of composers for large jazz ensemble. Her music is imaginative and creative,” Jim McNeely said, “And she’s not afraid to make some exciting changes in her writing.”
Tone Poem – Charles Lloyd and The Marvels
March 2021 / Blue Note – B003313501 / US
Tone Poem, the third cooperation between the 83-year-old Charles Lloyd and The Marvels, is a continuous piece of orchestral music that blends various American music styles such as jazz, blues, and country.
Lloyd and The Marvels quintet, featuring Bill Frisell on guitar, Greg Leisz on pedal steel guitar, Reuben Rogers on bass, and Eric Harland on drums, present us a full-length album filled with adaptations from Ornette Coleman, Thelonious Monk, Ignacio Villa, Gabor Szabo, and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. The album is supplemented with Lloyd originals.
As 2022 came and went, there were many events that affected me on a personal level. Amidst all the turmoil, music served as a constant source of comfort and stability. Among the various genres, jazz music…
2020 wasn’t a great year for culture. Luckily, we still had jazz music and its ability to adapt to any situation. A new generation of musicians emerged and they are blending jazz traditions with spoken word…
There are various reasons for record companies to decide not to release an album. Labels such as Blue Note recorded more than they could release and had to prioritize. Sometimes recordings remained unfinished and would be completed when the time is right. Live recordings nobody knew existed surfaced decades later and were released to continue the musician’s legacy.
Here are five unissued jazz recordings that were released recently.
Just Coolin’ is the result of a unique but short-lived ensemble of The Jazz Messengers collective.
The studio album was recorded on a single day in March 1959 at the famous Rudy Van Gelder studio in New Jersey. However, Blue Note Records co-founder Alfred Lion decided not to release the album and instead record a live performance at the famous Birdland club in New York. The live album titled At the Jazz Corner of the World was released in 1959 and remained the only issued recording of this jazz ensemble until Just Coolin’ was released in 2020.
When jazz drummer T.S. Monk was contacted regarding an old concert recording, he was amazed by his father’s performance and the background story behind the session. Danny Scher, sixteen at the time, organized benefit concerts to raise money for the Peace Corps and construction projects in Kenya and Peru. Although many people did not believe it would actually happen, he successfully hosted a concert with the jazz titan, Thelonious Monk.
T.S. Monk, knowing most of his father’s live recordings, understood how unique this recording was and how it contributes to the legacy of Thelonious Monk. In cooperation with the label Impulse Records, he released the album in September 2020.
Trumpeter Hugh Masekela and drummer Tony Allen met in the seventies thanks to their associations with Fela Kuti (Africa ’70). In the decades to come, they talked about making an album together. In 2010, producer Nick Gold took the opportunity and recorded the encounter.
The recording remained unfinished and got stored in the archives. With Hugh Masekela’s passing in 2018, Tony Allen and Nick Gold continued working on the original tapes during the summer of 2019. They finished the recording at the same studio where the original sessions took place, the Livingston Recording Studios in London. The album got released in 2020.
For every admirer of the saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, this release is very welcomed. It gives another insight into the confidence Coltrane and his band had that year.
The recording was commissioned for the film Le Chat Dans Le Sac and after the movie was put online for streaming, the search for the original recording tapes began. They were stored in the archives of the National Film Board of Canada. After discovering and clearing out the legal constraints, the music was released to the public in 2019.
The album features two alternate takes on the song “Naima“, a ballad he composed for his wife Juanita Naima Grubbs (married 1955-66) in 1959 and which was originally released on the album Giant Steps. Also notable are the three takes on his composition “Village Blues“, a song that was originally released on the studio album Coltrane Jazz.
When author Philip Clark was researching for his biography Dave Brubeck: A Life in Time, he discovered previously unissued tapes from the recording sessions of Time Out in 1959. Time Out, a studio album by TheDave Brubeck Quartet, was the first jazz record to sell over one million copies.
Apart from alternate takes on Take Five and Blue Rondo à la Turk on the A-side, we get some newly issued materials on the B-side.
The outtakes give us a look into the creation of this iconic album. You can ask yourself: “What if the record label decided to release a different version of the song?”. Song details that fans are so familiar with today could have looked different.
Just Coolin’ is the result of a unique but short-lived ensemble of The Jazz Messengers collective. Originally founded and led by drummer Art Blakey, The Jazz Messengers knew many changes. “Stability can be elusive for…
In 1968, the sixteen-year-old Danny Scher invited Thelonious Monk and his quartet to play a benefit concert at his high school in Palo Alto, California. The concert got recorded and now, more than 50 years…
Would there be afrobeat without Tony Allen? Tony Allen’s beats and rhythms were, to say it modest, genre-defining. He will always be remembered as the pioneer and co-founder of afrobeat. He was a curious musician…
By 1964 saxophonist John Coltrane was one of the leading figures in jazz music. Mainly, thanks to his release of Giant Steps in 1960. Officially, he recorded and released two albums that year: the often-overlooked…
When author Philip Clark was researching for his biography Dave Brubeck: A Life in Time, he discovered previously unissued tapes from the recording sessions of Time Out in 1959. Time Out, a studio album by…
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