CD-Charts Position 11

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A Charlie Brown Christmas [Expanded]

CD-Charts > Music > Cool and West Coast
by: Vince Guaraldi Trio

Release Date November 03, 2008

CD-Charts Position 12
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Porgy and Bess

CD-Charts > Music > Cool and West Coast
by: Miles Davis

Release Date April 07, 1997
The great thing about Miles Davis was that his trumpet playing was so transcendent. He's probably the only jazz player whose albums frequently appear in top 100 rock lists. I fail to see how anyone could not take the lilting sentiments of 'Porgy & Bess' to heart no matter what your musical tastes.

The 'Buzzard Song' opens the album with a grooving bass line by Paul Chambers, cleverly imitated by a tuba that follows suit (how many albums have you heard with a grooving tuba?). Then the lyrical note changes of 'Bess, You Is My Woman', before one of the highlights of the album, 'Gone'. This is something of a departure from Gershwin's opera itself, but the backing players relish the opportunity for some pure jazz playing, topped off ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 13
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White Blues

CD-Charts > Music > Cool and West Coast
by: Chet Baker

Release Date May 24, 1997
Up until recently I used to have a time on a Monday afternoon where I had to sit down, concentrate and get on with some paper work. This was often my cd of choice. Instead of being in my office at work I was transported to a jazz bar in New York, relaxing and enjoying myself. That was my happy place, to help me get through the paper work. Soon people were asking me if they could borrow this cd because they also found it to be the musical version of someone stroking your head.

CD-Charts Position 14
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Dave Brubeck Quartet at Carnegie Hall

CD-Charts > Music > Cool and West Coast
by: Dave Brubeck

Release Date May 07, 2001
I have listened to quite a few quality Jazz albums of late (including Art Blakey, Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker, etc.) but this one really is a masterpiece! The cover includes an interview with G.T. Simon, Jazz Commentator of the NY Herald Tribune at the time, and gives great insight into the special nature of that night. "Then suddenly it happened - right after the start of the third number. Don't ask why. Probably nobody can explain it. But it happened all right, and what had begun as quite a good Brubeck concert burst abruptly into a truly great one." The entire story is well worth the read. The musicians are not merely playing, they are preaching, and convincing, and so full of life and energy! It is almost impossible to interrupt a piece to ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 15
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Stan Getz And The Oscar Peterson Trio

CD-Charts > Music > Cool and West Coast
by: Stan Getz, Oscar Peterson

Release Date April 25, 1986
It's hard to think of anyone who has a tone quite like Stan Getz: breathy yet rich, cool yet passionate, he was unique. Famous for his wonderful bossa nova recordings, he also made some great music with other jazz masters. This album with the Oscar Peterson Trio is particularly fine. Getz's warm, lyrical tone caresses a collection of great tunes with admirable collaboration from one of the finest trios of all time. The lack of a drummer allows an intimate, relaxed feeling to the proceedings, and the results are seriously enjoyable. Highlights include a swinging "Pennies From Heaven" and beautiful ballad work on "Detour Ahead" and "I'm Glad There Is You". All Getz fans and jazz lovers should investigate this CD without delay.

CD-Charts Position 16
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The Best of Gerry Mulligan With Chet Baker

CD-Charts > Music > Cool and West Coast
by: Gerry Mulligan

Release Date March 18, 1991
When I first heard these tracks back in the fifties they were too modern, too West Coast, beyond my understanding and yet now they seem like old friends. Gerry Mulligan was Pacific Jazz's first artist and thank goodness they were there to record this lot. The group only lasted eleven months during which time they recorded all but one of the tracks on this CD. The odd one "Festive Minor" was recorded five years later at a reunion and shows Baker a little more strident than previously.

All the old Mulligan favorites are on the CD and demonstrate the empathy that he and Baker had at the time. It is music of the fifties but worth reinvestigating in the 2000s.

CD-Charts Position 17
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A Charlie Brown Christmas

CD-Charts > Music > Cool and West Coast
by: Vince Guaraldi

Release Date October 10, 2006
When I first heard these tracks back in the fifties they were too modern, too West Coast, beyond my understanding and yet now they seem like old friends. Gerry Mulligan was Pacific Jazz's first artist and thank goodness they were there to record this lot. The group only lasted eleven months during which time they recorded all but one of the tracks on this CD. The odd one "Festive Minor" was recorded five years later at a reunion and shows Baker a little more strident than previously.

All the old Mulligan favorites are on the CD and demonstrate the empathy that he and Baker had at the time. It is music of the fifties but worth reinvestigating in the 2000s.

CD-Charts Position 18
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My Funny Valentine

CD-Charts > Music > Cool and West Coast
by: Chet Baker

Release Date January 31, 1994
I cannot believe how cheap this cd is. This is truly a wonderful album that is up there with my other favourite Chet cds and yet it has a bargain basement price. If you buy it I promise you wont be disappointed.

CD-Charts Position 19
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Time Out [VINYL]

CD-Charts > Music > Cool and West Coast
by: Dave Brubeck

Release Date May 05, 2008
An Incredible use of rhythm, time and many aspects of other styles of music. In my opinion, this album is the best jazz album i have ever heard. Dave Brubeck is a genius and his quartet is astounding! Any-one who does not like this album, can't like jazz.

CD-Charts Position 20
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Feeling Blue

CD-Charts > Music > Cool and West Coast
by: Paul Desmond

Release Date August 24, 1996
Every note is a pleasure and the experience of listening to a man so at one with his music is something rarely witnessed elsewhere. Narrowly edges "A Kind of Blue" for sheer class....