Gypsy-jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt's work with consummate swing violinist Stephane Grappelli is a jazz essential. Reinhardt gave up the violin after losing movement in two fingers in a 1928 fire. As a result he developed a unique style of playing guitar, achieving significant success in Paris with the Quintette du Hot Club de France.
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The Genius of the Electric Guitar Charlie Christian & Benny Goodman 1939-41 [Definitive]
Christian died of tuberculosis in his mid-20s before ever having much of a chance to establish a successful solo career. These tracks were recorded with Benny Goodman's bands between 1939 and 1941. Christian was an original who pioneered the electric or "amplified" guitar while occasionally venturing into uncharted bebop territory.
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Moonlight In Vermont Johnny Smith 1953 [Roulette]
Smith's soft cool tones saw him zoom to popularity in the early-50s and - despite not recording much - remain a top-seller for many years. The CD release of Moonlight contains most of his essential recordings and features Stan Getz on some tracks. His biggest hit was the title track, but tracks like 'Jaguar' and 'Cherokee' are terrific too.
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The Incredible Jazz Guitar Wes Montgomery 1960 [Riverside]
This easygoing hard bop outing catches thumb-picking guitarist Montgomery at the peak of his prowess. A terrific mix of covers and originals - standout tracks include 'Four on Six', 'West Coast Blues' and Sonny Rollins' upbeat 'Airegin'. There are obvious signs of Django Reinhardt's influence on several of the longer solos. Recommended.
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Midnight Blue Kenny Burrell 1963 [Blue Note]
A superb mix of soul and hard bop stylings - with a healthy dose of blues on top. The soulfully sleazy 'Chitlins Con Carne' kicks things off, immediately followed by the bluesy 'Mule'. Things don't stray too far from the path from there on in, with Stanley Turrentine's tenor consistently proving the perfect foil for Burrell's intimate solo runs.
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Extrapolation John McLaughlin 1969 [Polydor]
This record pre-dates the electrical excesses of the Mahavishnu Orchestra - with guitarist McLaughlin stretching out in a very English quartet featuring baritonist John Surman. McLaughlin pens all the tracks, but it is really Surman who shines through as the key player. 'Binky's Beam' is an all-time favourite with British jazz fans.
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Beyond the Blue Horizon George Benson 1971 [CTI]
Benson's best pure-jazz record finds him firmly between his soul phase and later crossover work. The Jack DeJohnette/Ron Carter rhythm section provides most of the inspiration for some truly adventurous guitar playing. Benson's vocals are also outstanding, showing a harder edge than those only familiar with his later work might expect.
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Virtuoso Joe Pass 1973 [Pablo]
At a time when electrified fusion was becoming increasingly popular, Pass released a series of pure-jazz virtuoso albums featuring unaccompanied guitar. This set of standards was the first to be released, launching a whole new phase in Pass' career. Not surprisingly, his live performances were noted for their technical & artistic brilliance.
