Jazz Corner: Alternate Jazz Masterpieces – Part 1

When it comes to music – or indeed any of the arts, we, each one of us has our own lot of favorites. We seek out these recordings whenever we pause to listen. A bit like reaching out to comfort food, our rajma chawal.

When we get a bit adventurous and wish to explore sounds beyond our usual orbit, we might seek a list of what is considered the best in class for the genre.

In jazz, though there is an ocean of music, a huge mountain of choices available and even the most erudite of compilers of “Jazz greats” will only skim off the top for the most popular of recordings.

That leaves us with a large selection of brilliant recordings that haven’t made most lists or rankings. There are so many brilliant artists and inspired recording sessions that may have gone beneath the radar but in fact, are just as thrilling and exciting as those ranked as supreme. For example, when Miles Davis’ top acoustic albums are evaluated, Kind of Blue and perhaps Sketches of Spain are considered for top ranking for most “best of” lists. His album In Person Friday & Saturday Nights at the Blackhawk, which is equally exciting, may not even make the shortlist.

We decided to delve into some of these sub-radar masterpieces and to try and compile a list from our experience. Again, we choose from a huge stock of delicious recordings!

This exercise cannot be completed with just one list. So we have decided to do it in installments.

Here goes the first lot, in no particular order:

A World Of Piano By Phineas Newborn Jr.

The brilliant jazz pianist, Phineas Newborn Jr. has himself been relatively unknown and under the radar. His playing is superb – he is equally good on ballads and bebop – and we are featuring his 1962 album here. The trio has been competed by Paul Chambers (bass) and Philly Joe Jones (drums) on four tracks and by Sam Jones (bass) and Louis Hayes (drums) on the other two. We rate this album highly. Our favorite piece on this album is “Manteca.”

Consummation by Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra

This is a 1970 album re-released in 2002. This is one of the finest-ever jazz orchestras helmed by Thad Jones (trumpet) and Mel Lewis (drums). This band was famous for its Monday Night live performances at New York’s jazz club The Village Vanguard for several years.

This album was nominated for a Grammy in 1970 for the best jazz performance by a large group. Our favorite track on this album is “A Child is Born” by Thad Jones.

Night Lights by Gerry Mulligan

This is one of the most cool and sophisticated ever jazz albums and it does not seem to age at all. First released in 1963, Night Lights has a star-studded lineup with the leader Gerry Mulligan playing baritone saxophone, Art Farmer on trumpet, Bob Brookmeyer on valve trombone and Jim Hall on guitar. Our personal favorite track here is “Morning of the Carnival.”

The Great American Songbook by Carmen McRae

A live album from 1972, this is easily one of the most listenable vocal jazz albums ever. Carmen McRae has a most compelling voice and style of delivery which are especially highlighted in her live recordings. In this album, McRae is backed by a quartet which includes Joe Pass on acoustic guitar and Jimmy Rowles on piano.

A most enjoyable listen – even for listeners not into jazz. Our favorite track here is “Satin Doll.”

In Person Friday And Saturday Night At The Blackhawk by Miles Davis

Having mentioned this twin album earlier in this piece, we were not going to relegate it from this list!

These are two separate sessions recorded live on a Friday and a Saturday performance by the Miles Davis Quintet at the jazz club Blackhawk in San Francisco. Miles’ band had just concluded its association with the legendary saxophonists John Coltrane and Julian ‘Cannonball’ Adderley and this band had a couple of new faces.

On this live recording are heard Hank Mobley on tenor saxophone and Wynton Kelly on piano, both in scintillating form. From an array of fine performances, we pick “On Green Dolphin Street” as our favorite.

As we said at the outset, there is an ocean of unexplored great jazz recordings out there. We shall continue the quest again for more unheralded great albums the next time.

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