Here is another 10 to add to the list.
We are getting close! Just a handful of albums left to add. Remember that there is no ranking system here. Hopefully these lists will inspire you to seek some of these albums out that perhaps you haven’t heard before, or revisit an old favorite. And as always, we want your thoughts on any or all of these albums. Here, in no particular order, are albums 961 through 970.
961. 
One Night in Washington – Dizzy Gillespie (Collectibles, 1955) CLICK HERE TO BUY
962. 
Road Band – Woody Herman (Membran, 1955) CLICK HERE TO BUY
963. 
Stay with Me – Billie Holiday (Verve, 1959) CLICK HERE TO BUY
964. 
Earl’s Pearls – Earl Hines (Unlimited, 1960) CLICK HERE TO BUY
965. 
Genius of Modern Music, Vol. 1 – Thelonious Monk (Discovery, 1952) CLICK HERE TO BUY
966. 
The Joint is Jumpin’ – Fats Waller (Bluebird RCA, 1929-1943 recording dates, 1987 compilations date) CLICK HERE TO BUY
967. 
Mingus at the Bohemia – Charles Mingus (Original Jazz Classics, 1955) CLICK HERE TO BUY
968. 
King of the Tenors – Ben Webster (Verve, 1956) CLICK HERE TO BUY
969. 
Count Basie in London – Count Basie (Verve, 1956) CLICK HERE TO BUY
970. 
Live: 1939-1941 – Charlie Christian (Jazz Archives (France) 1939-1941 recording dates, 1996 compilation date) CLICK HERE TO BUY
1,000 Jazz Albums You Should Hear Before You Die (951-960)
1,000 Jazz Albums You Should Hear Before You Die (941-950)
1,000 Jazz Albums You Should Hear Before You Die (931-940)
1,000 Jazz Albums You Should Hear Before You Die (921-930)
1,000 Jazz Albums You Should Hear Before You Die (911-920)
1,000 Jazz Albums You Should Hear Before You Die (901-910)
1,000 Jazz Albums You Should Hear Before You Die – The First 750
1,000 Jazz Albums You Should Hear Before You Die – The First 500
The most legendary album in jazz history easily takes the top spot on this list. The original album still sells 5,000 copies a week. A two-CD “Legacy Edition” version of this album was released celebrating the 50th anniversary, including alternate takes, false starts, and a 17-minute live version of So What.
The album that left the 4/4 time signature behind, was the first jazz album to have a single (Take Five) that sold one million copies. Sony will release its own 50th Anniversary edition of Time Out this Tuesday, featuring three discs. Disc one will feature a newly remastered edition of the original. Disc two is a 30-minute DVD interview with Dave Brubeck talking about the making of Time Out, with never before seen footage, and Disc three is a compilation of recently discovered tapes at the Newport Jazz Festival from 1961, 1963, and 1964.
Another great album where every song became a jazz standard. The album features two different trios, with bassist Paul Chambers being the only member to participate in both. Constant chord changes and wonderful improvisation made this a classic.
As mentioned earlier, the great Lester Young died in 1959, and Mingus Ah Um is highlighted with a wonderful tribute to Young called Good Bye Pork Pie Hat. Columbia has also released a two disc “Legacy Edition” of this album this year, featuring unedited versions of tunes that were shortened for the original version, as well as some great outtakes.
Released exactly 50 years ago last Friday, The Shape of Jazz to Come basically said “forget about the rules, just let me play”. That might sound sloppy (the description, not the music), but Coleman might have just looked at things differently than those before him. He always heard a melody, and managed to create great jazz with freedom that didn’t sound chaotic.