Could someone who's really into jazz or swing ('s got a lotta knowledge bout it too) recommend some essential jazz and/or swing music? Or some great jazz or/swing titles?


Dunno if this needed a new topic... Didn't know where to post it though. I'll move it if requested.

p.s. I'm not into the slow jazz... Would rather enjoy the one with a fast tempo (upbeat). Did I say it right? lol

You seem to be getting into the old stuff. Try Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington...

always happy to help out
*cracks knuckles and flexes fingers*

try any of the following:

Charlie Parker- Anthropology, Kim, Klaunstance, Leapfrog
Burnin Bird is a Parker Album that should satisfy you

Oscar Peterson and Dizzy Gillespie (the album) - Particularly the tracks - "Caravan" and "Dizzy Atmosphere". Gillespie has a unique trumpet style, they dont call 'im Dizzy fo' nothing. - here's a cover on a saxophone by some guy on youtube - he's good -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVfQAYq53zE

John Coltrane - Giant Steps; its a brilliant song - should go for it first
saxophone great that he is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kotK9FNEYU <- here's a video.

but the best for last - "four" by miles davis ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOfmsZHiJ-k )
i love the start for this, the video is by some guy called Kaveman who didnt do that bad a job - song kicks off on the 30 second mark.

right! now that i have completely freaked out everyone who will ever read this by being a complete jazz freak, i'd like to say - there is nothing like a jazz freak - afficionado perhaps.

tis beautiful music and should be treated as such.

Not exactly jazz...more jazzy pscycadelica....Frank Zappa 'Hot Rats'. Essential album none the less.

Thanks, you guys! I'll check them out.

And one more, Charles Mingus - Oh Yeah

Great stuff (apart from the track where he makes sounds like Scooby Doo with epilepsy)

The Atomic Mr Basie by Count Basie, The 1938 Carnagie Hall Concert by Benny Goodman, Pres & Teddy by Lester Young and teddy Wilson are good starting grounds for swing style.

Also check out Heavy Weather by Weather Report for an excellent fusion album.

On a mellow side try Crescent by John Coltrane, Round About Midnight by Miles Davis and Ben Webster Meets Coleman Hawkins.