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Plays W C Handy
Louis Armstrong
1954 [Columbia]

Jazz giant Louis Armstrong plays a host of standards by legendary blues composer W C Handy. Handy's best-known composition is the lively 'St Louis Blues', clocking in here at almost nine minutes. Armstrong focused more on vocals in his later years, but here he shows he could still blow the joint apart when sufficiently inspired to do so.

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Clifford Brown & Max Roach
Clifford Brown and Max Roach
1954 [EmArcy]

Clifford Brown's accidental death in 1956 sent shockwaves throughout the jazz community. A hard bop trumpeter respected and admired by all, this record was his first with the already-famous bop drummer Max Roach. Brown was a true professional in every sense of the word - every note perfect and dripping with emotion. Timeless.

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'Round About Midnight
Miles Davis
1956 [Columbia]

Recorded over roughly the same period as the four album marathon session that saw him fulfil his obligations to Prestige, Davis' first major-label recording found his quintet laying the groundwork for the classic Kind of Blue album. Tenor John Coltrane hits just the right notes in this fine record that oozes style and sophistication.

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At Newport
Dizzy Gillespie
1957 [Verve]

The best work from Gillespie’s time at Verve saw his second great big band reel off this astonishing set. The band was saturated with topnotch players including Lee Morgan on trumpet, tenors Billy Mitchell & Benny Golson, and pianist Wynton Kelly. Yet another high-water mark for Gillespie in a career absolutely choc-full of them.

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A New Perspective
Donald Byrd
1963 [Blue Note]

Trumpeter Byrd used a gospel choir to top off this all-star date featuring Hank Mobley, Kenny Burrell and Herbie Hancock in support. 'Cristo Redentor' went on to become a minor classic, often showing up on Blue Note compilation discs. Byrd later triggered a furore in the jazz world with the release of the ultra-funky Black Byrd (1972).

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The Sidewinder
Lee Morgan
1963 [Blue Note]

The title cut of this record was such a big hit for Morgan that future recordings fell into a somewhat formulaic holding pattern. Still only 25 years old, Morgan shares the stage with another great star (albeit a rising one) in tenor Joe Henderson. Tragically, Morgan was shot to death during a 1972 gig in New York City. A great hard bop album.

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Red Clay
Freddie Hubbard
1970 [CTI]

An important hard bop record and trumpeter Freddie Hubbard's first for Creed Taylor's fledgling CTI label. The soul/funk fusion sound found here laid the blueprint for a host of classics that would come from the label. With tenor Joe Henderson and keyboardist Herbie Hancock strutting their stuff, it was hard to miss. Holding up well.

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Straight Life
Freddie Hubbard
1971 [CTI]

A solid hit-out featuring an all-star line-up - including saxophonist Joe Henderson, guitarist George Benson, Herbie Hancock on keyboards and drummer Jack DeJohnette. Even though the record clocks in at just over 36 minutes (and only three tracks), there is hardly a wasted moment and the playing is superb throughout. Fusion done well.