It’s generally known in jazz circles that the greatest way to listen to jazz is live. However, while the majority of people agree, others claim that listening to jazz on vinyl is even better. In actuality, there’s no way to tell which is better because they’re such distinct experiences. However, one thing is certain: it’s difficult to go wrong with either.
The crackle and pop of vinyl creates a pleasant sensation, somewhat like ASMR. The quality is closer to the actual thing since it has uncompressed sound, especially when it is pressed by outstanding and reputable facilities like Unified Manufacturing bespoke vinyl records. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about jazz, start by buying the greatest albums on vinyl! To help you get started, we’ve prepared some suggestions below.
10. Stan Getz And Joao Gilberto: Getz/Gilberto
Getz/Gilberto is a collaboration between American tenor saxophonist Stan Getz and Brazilian vocalist and guitarist Joao Gilberto, published by Verve Records in March 1964. Every song was written and arranged by pianist and composer Antonio Carlos Jobim. This album was a major contributor to the bossa nova craze in the United States, with “The Girl in Ipanema” serving as a highlight. Verve Records issued a limited edition vinyl of the record on February 11th, 2007. There was also a 12-inch vinyl pressing for orange-colored records with a black center label to match the black backdrop printed with an orange-dominated abstract art for the vinyl album sleeve.
9. Herbie Hancock: Maiden Voyage
Maiden Voyage, Herbie Hancock’s 1965 album, is one of the greatest albums he’s ever made. It has wonderfully demonstrated the Jazz musician’s impeccable skill, earning it the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999. The vinyl album consists of a 12-inch black heavyweight vinyl record contained within a single jacket featuring the original album artwork. Kevin Gray mastered the record from the original master tapes, so it’s completely analog. On June 4, 2022, Blue Note will release this iconic vinyl version of the Maiden Voyage.
8. Eric Dolphy: Out To Lunch!
Though Eric Dolphy’s discography was cut short due to his untimely demise at the age of 36, I’m sure he had no regrets. Dolphy has exposed the world to his amazing music throughout his 15-year music career, and that is what matters. Out to Lunch, his Blue Note debut is one of his greatest works. The powerful quintet that Dolphy gathered played and performed tunes from Out to Lunch. Out to Lunch was included in Blue Note’s “Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series,” which included 12-inch vinyl pressings of its artists’ older albums.
7. Wayne Shorter: Native Dancer
Native Dancer, Wayne Shorter’s sixteenth studio album, features a duet with Brazilian artist Milton Nascimento. It’s a nine-track album that’s been released on regular black vinyl. Several of Shorter’s most well-known singles are included in this collection, including “Ponta de Areia” and “Miracle of the Fishes.” I’m sure you’ve heard of him, but if you’re new to the genre, it’s a good idea to start with his work. This is a fantastic record for everyone who enjoys and prefers listening to performers’ singing.
6. Billie Holiday: Lady Sings The Blues
Billie Holiday, the legendary jazz vocalist, recorded one of her greatest and unrivaled jazz albums in 1956, which was reissued last year. Lady Sings the Blues was pressed on 12-inch vinyl by Vinyl Me, Please (VMP). The album comes with a light blue vinyl record and a jacket that is printed with the original album cover. It also includes updated liner notes.
5. Ella Fitzgerald: Ella At The Shrine
Ella at the Shrine is a collection of live recordings made at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles shortly after she signed with Verve Records. It’s an eight-track 12-inch vinyl pressing on brilliant yellow-colored records. Single vinyl covers with a cartoon-themed album cover are then utilized to hold the discs. It depicts Ella Fitzgerald holding a microphone and a shrine silhouette.
4. Julian “Cannonball” Adderley: Somethin’ Else
Somethin’ Else by Julian “Cannonball” Adderley is an album that each jazz fan should listen to or have in their collection. It’s a fantastic record from a fantastic band led by Julian Adderley, a world-renowned alto saxophonist. Miles Davis plays the trumpet, Art Blakey plays the drums, Hank Jones plays the piano, and Sam Jones plays the double bass. The album reissue has an all-black motif, with black on the inside of the gatefold sleeves as well as on the vinyl records. The album’s front cover is a new one, containing renowned photographs by Jean-Pierre Leloir.
3. Chet Baker: Chet Baker In New York
Chet Baker’s debut record with Big Apple Records, which is situated in Riverside, is a fantastic collection to listen to. It’s a well-balanced, well-mixed CD that highlights his cool Californian tone and the instruments played by Al Haig, Johnny Griffin, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones, respectively, on piano, tenor saxophone, bass, and drums. Baker’s album, which has a broad spectrum of tunes, from the tranquil “Blue Thoughts” on one end to the dramatic “Hotel 49” on the other, was pressed on 12-inch vinyl by VMP. The vinyl album comes with a gold with hefty white marble vinyl record and a jacket printed with the original album cover.
2. John Coltrane: A Love Supreme
A Love Supreme by John Coltrane should never be overlooked on this list since it was instrumental in the emergence of a new style of jazz. It was the first of its sort to have the hyper-spiritual focus that many subsequent jazz albums have. I recommend that you listen to this seriously and not simply as background music while doing something else; it’s an album that will hold your heart from beginning to end. The dismal vibe of the album’s image would not be complete without the soulful album. The box is printed with a black and white portrait of Coltrane, and the record is standard black, to mirror the message and sentiments delivered and depicted by the performer.
1. Miles Davis: Kind Of Blue
If you’ve been a long-time fan or listener of the genre, you’re probably familiar with Miles Davis. Who wouldn’t want to listen to him when he’s a living icon in the jazz world? His legendary fame was largely due to his record Kind of Blue. Most individuals and reviewers believe that this album exceeds the traditional standards for choosing a “greatest album,” and many claim that it is the most influential in jazz history. Davis used a more relaxed approach on this album, resulting in the birth of a new subgenre known as modal jazz.
