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10 My most favorite albums are all highly listenable start to finish. This album is no exception, and it falls into the category of “so seamless that I have a hard time remembering the song titles”. Baritone sax can sometime sound a little too aggressive for me, but Mellé manages to make it fit perfectly into a cooler setting like this. |
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9 Despite this version of “‘Round Midnight” never being a favorite of mine, and despite the album lacking a degree of cohesion due to being recorded over three dates spanning close to a year, the music is so good that it still manages to rank very high on my list. |
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8 Morgan shines with inventiveness in this unique quartet-with-trumpet setting. The focus is on standards but the leader manages to make the material sound fresh and engaging regardless. Sonny Clark and Art Taylor backing Morgan is a rare and most welcome combination. “Since I Fell for You”, “All the Way” |
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7 I was introduced to this album by a jazz musician friend and it was an early favorite Blue Note of mine. Technically falling under “experimental” due to a lack of traditional songwriting, Hancock’s percussive style and use of refrain are key ingredients that keep things very accessible. “Triangle” |
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6 It should be obvious why Coltrane’s reading of such a fun Rogers & Hammerstein showtune appeals to most jazz newbies, present company included. Over time that appeal has not waned in the slightest. “My Favorite Things”, “Everytime We Say Goodbye” |
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5 A latecomer to the list, my interest in McLean has developed alongside my increasing interest in post bop. The minimalist arrangement, great compositions, and inspired, extended soloing makes this is near-perfect record in my mind. Drummer Clifford Jarvis crushes it and is very well-recorded. “Poor Eric” |
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4 As a highly undervalued album that has never been reissued in the U.S. in any format, the Japanese’s all-inclusive approach to reissuing Blue Note has made it more accessible. This frontline triumvirate sounds especially aggressive here, and Mobley’s songwriting features some particularly foreboding, haunting harmonies. |
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3 Some may be surprised to see an obscure album like this ranked so high on my list. If so, I remind you that this is merely a list of favorites. This album is very close to perfection for me. Patton’s band never take themselves too seriously and maintain a relaxed, playful vibe throughout. |
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2 Most jazz classics aren’t personal favorites of mine; this album is an exception. I feel both its popularity and “gateway” status are warranted. Coltrane struggles to fit in at times and “Flamenco Sketches” sounds a tad redundant following “Blue in Green”, otherwise I think it’s perfect. |
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1 Though it doesn’t have as many trophy songs as other albums in my top five, I have probably listened to this album the most. There is nothing I would change about it. It is a perfect album by my standards, and I can easily play it start to finish every time I listen. “Lonely Woman” |