Top 10 Favorite Marian McPartland Tracks
Last week marked Marian McPartland’s passing. Her warmth is what I will always remember most, but her musical legacy is tremendous.
Continue ReadingTop 10 Paul Simon Tracks
10 among my many faves by Mr. Simon . . . as a solo artist, without the tall guy.
Continue ReadingTop 10 Jazz Musicians Deserving of NEA Jazz Master Consideration: 2014 Edition
A few days ago the 2014 class of NEA Jazz Masters was announced, with honors going to the diverse crew of Richard Davis, Anthony Braxton, Keith Jarrett and Jamey Abersold. 3+ years ago, I wrote about musicians who I felt had been neglected in this selection process (click here to read that post for reference), and the latest batch has led me reflect a bit on who has been inducted since and who is still overdue.
Continue ReadingTop 10 (x5) Favorite Kenny Barron Tracks
Today marks Kenny Barron’s 70th birthday. I have written before (click here) about the impact he had on me as a teacher and a role model for class and dignity. Here, though, I will focus on his incredible recorded legacy. Whittling down the recordings that have shaped my own conception to 10 was pretty well…
Continue ReadingTop 10 Mulgrew Miller Tracks
Mulgrew Miller is in a sense the symbol of a whole generation of musicians. This list represents him as a bandleader and as a sideman, as a composer and as an interpreter and as a purveyor of music that is at the same time hip and modern yet soulful and direct.
Continue ReadingTop 10 Tracks Under 2 Minutes
As anyone who reads this blog is aware, brevity isn’t my strong point. With music, though, I am always concerned with making a performance the “correct” length. If it’s meant to be epic, then longer is often appropriate. Sometimes, though, it’s a matter of making a pithy statement and then letting it be absorbed. Certainly as a listener, I have a soft spot for songs that feel complete and compelling while clocking in at under 120 seconds.
Continue ReadingTop 10 Favorite Wayne Shorter Tracks
What better way to celebrate Wayne Shorter’s awesomeness than to explore some of my personal favorites from his discography as a bandleader? None, exactly.
Continue ReadingTop 10 Songs About Coping With Loss
Music can heal at times like this, and here are 10 songs that are both well-suited for this and (for the most part) specifically crafted for that purpose.
Continue ReadingTop 10 Miles Davis Tracks
Just 10 tunes for a Miles Davis list? Wow. Okay, here goes . . .
Continue ReadingTop 10 John Coltrane Tracks
Taking on the Herculean task of narrowing the work of John Coltrane to a Top 10 list
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