Some people say that jazz is the American definition of classic music. That definition seems to hold true, especially when you listen to such legendary jazz greats as John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck and Duke Ellington. Miles Davis, too, cannot be excluded from the list of classic jazz artists who were prominent performers, especially in the 60’s.
“Kind of Blue”
For example, “Kind of Blue,” by Miles Davis is currently a jazz album that is as classic as it is interesting to hear. The unrehearsed recording marks an event, in 1959, which took place at the Columbia recording studios. This album is “Classic Miles” as it features chords and melodies that were either jotted down or considered to be in “rough” form.
Miles liked to perform in this manner as he wanted to ensure the tunes were spontaneous – in the heat of the moment. The album represents a departure from bebop, where each melody played over simple chord progressions, leaving just enough room for some improvisation. This is album is a true example of experimental jazz.
“A Love Supreme”
“A Love Supreme,” is an album that belongs to the creative genius of John Coltrane. The jazz great is one of the classic jazz artists of the mid-60s music scene. “A Love Supreme,” like much of the music at the time, revolutionized the jazz world. The influence it left can be found in a number of musical formats today. Coltrane, in this rendition, plays over basic chords with reckless abandon. The four songs showcased on the album express such emotions as tragedy, triumph, sadness and joy. This album is often listened to by such artists as writers or painters, who are inspired to create their own work when listening to Coltrane’s music.
“Time Out”
If you want to take time out of your busy schedule for a nice music break, then you can easily remember the album, “Time Out,” by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. This instrumental jazz album sold over a million copies. The single from the album “Take Five” is distinguished by having been a number one hit – an outstanding accomplishment, especially for a jazz melody. The complexities of the rhythms are surprisingly easy to listen to – all of which points to the reason for the album’s enormous success.
“Duke Ellington at Newport” – The Newport Jazz Festival
“Duke Ellington at Newport,” or, precisely, the Newport Jazz Festival, is an album that covers a concert show that was featured in 1956. This album marks a turning point for Ellington, who underscored his celebrity standing with a two-section piece called “Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue.” The two section classic connected a sax solo, played 27 times in all. Ellington enjoyed a prominent standing in the jazz field after this concert for almost 20 years.
