The jazz tradition seems alive and well on vinyl reissues. Here is our ten favorites this year.
Hot House. The Complete Jazz at Massey Hall Recordings (Craft)
The harmonic sophistication of Charlie Parker and Bud Powell on this legendary concert rivals that which Miles Davis explored a decade later. The band with Dizzy, Mingus and Max Roach is amazing.
Bill Evans – Sunday at the Village Vanguard (Original Jazz Classics)
This is one of the great live albums of jazz which documents a unique trio with bassist Scot LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian.
Herbie Hancock – The New Standard (Verve)
Herbie Hancock plays songs by Prince, Stevie Wonder and the Beatles with an incredible all-star band.
Wayne Shorter – Footprints Live! (Verve)
Wayne Shorter’s return to acoustic music with his new quartet signaled a new beginning for the veteran composer and saxophonist.
The World of Cecil Taylor (Candid)
This album is a grand finale to Cecil Taylor’s first phase when he still played with a time-keeping rhythm section.
Ahmad Jamal – The Awakening (Verve)
This is a great piano trio album with songs that Jamal explores as artfully as ever.
Herbie Nichols Trio (Blue Note)
Herbie Nichols Trio is essential trio jazz by the pianist who never really got the recognition he deserved.
Billie Holiday – Songs for Distingue Lovers (Verve)
One of Billie Holiday’s last great recordings with a great band and soloists.
Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane (Original Jazz Classics)
For several decades this was the only quartet recording of the two masters.
Wynton Kelly Trio / Wes Montgomery – Smokin’ at the Half Note (Verve)
One of Wes Montgomery’s best live recordings is reissued for his centennial. It is swinging hard bop.
Jazz Desk 