Birdland played host to jazz history in the making in February 1954 when drummer Art Blakey's quintet showcased music that would go on to define the hard bop style. Something memorable was on the cards with a lineup that included trumpeter Clifford Brown, Horace Silver's piano and Lou Donaldson on alto. Volume 2 is almost as good.
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Michel Legrand Legrand Jazz 1958 [Philips]
With Miles Davis, Bill Evans, John Coltrane and Ben Webster all contributing it is hard to miss. Well-known film score composer Michel Legrand arranged 11 jazz standards for three different lineups and came up with an inventive hard bop blend that left most hungry for more. Unfortunately, his jazz efforts were few and far in between.
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A Blowin' Session Johnny Griffin 1957 [Blue Note]
The "world's fastest saxophonist" proves his reputation is well-justified on this 1957 effort. Excessive speed seems to be of the essence for the tenor showdown between Griffin, John Coltrane and Hank Mobley on 'The Way You Look Tonight'. Still, it's pretty hard to pass up any 50s Blue Note featuring such a star-studded lineup.
Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's albums from the late-50s all had one thing common - a great supporting cast. In this case the backup includes Miles Davis on trumpet and pianist Hank Jones, with Sam Jones and drummer Art Blakey driving the rhythm section. A true classic of hard bop, the remastered CD release sports an extra track.
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Moanin' Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers 1958 [Blue Note]
Drummer Blakey's third incarnation of the Messengers is generally considered the best, despite the fact tenor Benny Golson only lasted a few months with the group. Band members contribute most of the tunes, including the hit title track by pianist Bobby Timmons. Trumpeter Lee Morgan - still only 20 - continues his march to stardom.
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We Insist! Freedom Now Suite Max Roach 1960 [Candid/Columbia]
This is uncompromising hard bop with an in-your-face social conscience. We Insist! is one of the defining statements of America's black civil rights movement. Drummer Max Roach defied convention when he teamed up with veteran tenor Coleman Hawkins and indomitable vocalist Abbey Lincoln to make this classic protest record.
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The Blues & the Abstract Truth Oliver Nelson 1961 [Impulse!]
With the 60s going completely wild, hard boppin' was still alive and well on records like this one. Alto duties are shared between Nelson and Eric Dolphy, with 'Teenie's Blues' being one of the all-time great showdowns on the instrument. The highlight, however, is the entrancingly sombre Freddie Hubbard 'Stolen Moments' trumpet solo.
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Out Of the Afternoon Roy Haynes Quartet 1962 [Impulse!]
In a career spanning over a half century drummer Haynes established himself as a topnotch support player for some of the biggest names in postwar jazz. His quartet for this 1962 set includes pianist Tommy Flanagan and the multi-talented Roland Kirk on reeds. A good Hard Bop outing featuring some great solos from all involved.
