Music Millennium Picks

I had a handful of picks at a record store I used to work at.  I made cards that had brief written reasons to why these albums stood out to me.  As you can see, I have a thing for Blue Note.

'Genius of Modern Music' - Thelonious Monk

These lower produced tracks are my favorite recordings by T. Monk.  They're worth it just for the simplified versions of the Bebop wizard's compositions that I think enhance Monk's soling and improvising.  

1947, Vol. 1 / 1951, Vol. 2 - Blue Note.

  

'In 'N Out' - Joe Henderson

This pressing has five originals by Henderson that feature amazing chord structures that are brilliantly backed by McCoy Tyner, Richard Davis, and Elvin Jones.  Former Messenger Kenny Dorham also rips with sweet trumpet solos.

1964 - Blue Note.

'Lee-Way' - Lee Morgan

This practically Jazz Messenger line-up is pureley exciting for the fun, unique solos of Art Blakey.  It's rare to hear solos like that come from Blakey since he uses the Messengers to showcase the talents of his sidemen.  

1960 - Blue Note.

'At the Half Note Cafe' - Donald Byrd

When I think of cooking, I instantly think of this live recording.  Byrd and Pearson are a dangerous duo when it comes to compositions...  And cuts like "My Girl Shirl" and "Child's Play" really represent the groups ability.

1960 - Blue Note.

'At Basin Street' - Clifford Brown & Mac Roach

This record features awesome cuts by the powerhouse quintet that hosts Sonny Rollins, Richie Powell, and George Morrow... You'll hear wonderful horn licks and tremendous rhythm sections backed by Brown and Roach.

1956 - EmArcy / Verve.

'A Night In Tunisia' - Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers

Proabably one of the most prolific recordings of the Gillespie tune.  This album has a line-up that, what many think, is the best Messengers' roster... The disc is well worth it for Lee Morgan's, "Kozo's Waltz."

1960 - Blue Note.