Based on documentary filmmaker Ken Burns ten-part series from 2000, the 5CD set is a breathtaking chronological overview of the history of jazz. Because it follows the series each CD tends to hang together exceptionally well. The single-CD sampler is a poor substitute, but may be preferable if budgetary constraints are a problem.
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Fabulous Swing Collections Various Artists 1933-44 [RCA Victor]
An outstanding collection of popular swing standards recorded between 1933-44 that is sure to get the joint jumpin'. Let's face it - how can you lose when Glenn Miller is 'In the Mood', Duke Ellington manages to 'Take the A-Train' and Tommy Dorsey does the 'Boogie Woogie'? Count Basie features on the follow-up More Fabulous Swing.
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Bebop Spoken Here Various Artists 1943-49 [Proper] 4CDs
Although it occasionally misses the bebop mark, this is a topnotch set from British budget label Proper. All the great beboppers are here - Parker, Gillespie, Powell, Monk, Navarro, etc. Also featured are some great vocal performances, a few big-name swingers dabbling and some talented lesser lights. A couple of scratchy transfers can be forgiven.
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Re-Bop: The Savoy Originals Various Artists 1945-59 [Savoy]
Savoy records was at the forefront of the bebop revolution, recording some its biggest names. Here bop pioneers Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie strut their stuff, while a handful of post-boppers in the Savoy stable pay homage. As the companion volume to a remix project, the real bonus is that the sound quality here is simply outstanding.
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The Best of Blue Note Various Artists 1956-65 [Blue Note]
Alfred Lion's Blue Note label dominated the jazz scene from the mid-50s to his retirement in 1967. This CD and its follow-up contain an outstanding sampling of the Blue Note sound - including a healthy dose of the hard bop most associate with the label. Availability varies, so hard boppers would be well advised to grab both while you can.
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A Night Out With Verve Various Artists 1952-94 [Verve] 4CDs
Norman Granz built Verve into one of the most influential jazz labels in the world. Its heyday was the 1960s, although the label put out plenty of terrific music right from the start in 1944. The four discs here are themed around 'Wining', 'Dining', 'Dancing' and 'Romancing'. For a straight historical overview try The Verve Story - 1944-1994.
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West Coast Jazz Various Artists 1950-54 [Pulse] 2CDs
With 40 tracks and the likes of cool-cats Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Dave Brubeck and Shelly Manne featured this budget set is a steal. The focus is of course the easygoing West Coast sound that the Pacific Jazz and Contemporary labels specialised in. Like most such compilations it is best to waste no time snapping it up before it becomes history.
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The House That Trane Built Various Artists 1961-76 [Impulse!] Sampler or 4CDs
For a decade and a half after the rock and roll onslaught Impulse records kept the creative flag flying, led artistically of course by the legendary John Coltrane. Here consumers are faced with a choice between a 9-track budget sampler or the magnificent four-disc Story of Impulse Records box set. If you've got the cash go for the box.
