Charles Mingus - Blues & Roots (1959)

Charles Mingus - possibly one of the greatest jazz composers of all time. Utilizing the ambitious free jazz style of Ornette Coleman, a hot and soulful feel of hard bop and blues, influences of black gospel music, and even some influences from classical music (namely in his later works), Mingus combines these elements in a phenomenal way. Not only are his bass skills fantastic, but his organizational genius similar to that of Duke Ellington is unmistakable. When you hear Mingus, you know it's Mingus. Blues & Roots was one of his first works in which he began experimenting with avant-garde/free jazz, which he carried on to his more well known album Minus Ah Um and, as he gathered numerous other styles and influences, into his later works. With the inclusion of 4 saxophonists, 2 trombonists, and 2 pianists, along with Mingus himself on bass plus a drummer, Mingus is able to utilize all of these and organize them into one of the most loose - yet at the same time tight and structured - jazz works of all time. 

Genres: Avant-garde jazz, post-bop, blues, free jazz 

1. "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting" - 5:43
   
2. "Cryin' Blues" - 5:02
   
3. "Moanin'" - 8:02
   
4. "Tensions" - 6:31
   
5. "My Jelly Roll Soul" - 6:50
   
6. "E's Flat Ah's Flat Too" - 6:42
   

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Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane (1958)

This incredible meet up between two jazz legends, guitarist Kenny Burrell and saxophonist John Coltrane resulted in one unique and phenomenal jazz album. Burrell's singing acoustic jazz sounds and Coltrane's intense yet calming melodies constantly are constantly shadowing one another, and the way they switch off and play along with each other draws one to adore this true perfection of a jazz album. With the addition of Tommy Flanagan of Ella Fitzgerald fame and Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb of Miles Davis fame, this album is truly one of the finest and most pure and perfected jazz albums out there. Its sound is always so relaxing and calming, while at the same time very fun and lighthearted. A worthy listen for any fan of jazz, so give it a listen.

Genres: Jazz, bebop

1. "Freight Trane" - 7:22
   
2. "I Never Knew" - 7:06
   
3. "Lyresto" - 5:44
   
4. "Why Was I Born?" - 3:15
   
5. "Big Paul" - 14:07
   

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