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Foundations of Bebop
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Somethin' ElseSomethin' Else by Cannonball Adderley
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $5.98
A former Miles Davis sideman, Cannonball Adderley performs a mixture of standards and original tunes with Miles Davis, Hank Jones, Sam Jones and Art Blakey backing him up. This disc was recorded the year before Davis's "Kind of Blue" and showcases the developing chemistry between these two players.
A Night in TunisiaA Night in Tunisia by Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers
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Drummer Art Blakey leads his "Jazz Messengers" through an incredible program here including a now legendary 13 minutes rendition of the Gillespie tune "A Night in Tunisia".
Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie HallThelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall by Thelonious Monk
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This live date at Carnegie Hall features Monk and Coltrane playing a slew of Monk compositions. Monk is in his prime at the piano and Coltrane, while still 3 years from "Giant Steps" here, is beginning to develop his signature sound in this outstanding disc.
Go!Go! by Dexter Gordon
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A nice relaxed outing from a wonderful bebop tenor player, Dexter Gordon.
Mingus Ah UmMingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus
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Possibly the best disc from a jazz titan. Mingus showcases his signature style in this wonderful session. The album is full of tributes and references to his forbearers, especially "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," a touching tribute to Lester Young and a beautiful ballad.
Saxophone ColossusSaxophone Colossus by Sonny Rollins
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The title says it all. Sonny Rollins will show you why he deserves the title with his 10 minute rendition of "Mack the Knife" (here called "Moritat") and the winding and disjunct final track, "Blues 7".
Jazz at Massey HallJazz at Massey Hall by Quintet
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An absolutely legendary recording featuring an ensemble of jazz titans. Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, and Max Roach offer this collection of gems recorded at Massey Hall in Toronto.
Best of The Complete Savoy & Dial Studio RecordingsBest of The Complete Savoy & Dial Studio Recordings by Charlie Parker
Buy new: $17.98 / Used from: $9.66
If you must limit yourself to one bebop disc, make it this one. The father of bebop in prime form makes this collection unforgettable.
Bird & DizBird & Diz by Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie
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This disc chronicles the exploits of two of the finest bebop players ever. The solid performances of Buddy Rich, Thelonious Monk and Curly Russell in the rhythm section don't hurt the matter either.