Jazz 100 Top Jazz CDs The Best Jazz Ever Released on CD
Welcome to Jazz 100, where we aim to bring you the very best jazz ever released on CD. Here you will find jazz lists based on comprehensive statistical surveys of critics, record stores and popular polls. Our primary aim is to build lists that will appeal to popular sensibilities and, as such, casual listeners should find it a useful place to start when setting out to build the ultimate jazz collection (albums, collections & compilations). More seasoned jazz aficionados should also find plenty of interest.
The Top 200 Jazz CDs Originally starting out as a straight Top 100, over time the main list has evolved into a Top 200 in order to include a wider range of worthy artists. Miles Davis' classic Kind of Blue is streets ahead of the rest in top spot, with John Coltrane's A Love Supreme comfortably holding the #2 position. With several high-ranking entries Coltrane is by far the most popular artist overall, while newer artists continue to struggle for attention against the level of interest in older jazz music. (Updated 9 June 2008)
The New Breed Top 100 A big problem with any sort of "all-time best" list based on a statistical survey is that newer stuff tends to have little or no chance of making the cut. For this reason we also maintain a Top 100 strictly devoted to contemporary recordings released over the last ten years. At the beginning of each year we scour the net for any critics poll or notable list devoted to the last year's releases. These are then tallied, with the strongest performers added to the online poll. (Updated 14 March 2008)
Meters Ahead Laszlo Gardony Dig Deep (2008) Sunnyside
Something New Lionel Loueke Karibu (2008) Blue Note
Gardony's latest album Dig Deep finds him turning to gospel, funk and rock for inspiration, with his seasoned jazz trio (John Lockwood, bass; Yoron Israel, drums) taking full advantage of every delectable twist and turn. In the true spirit of spontaneity Gardony notes all tracks were recorded as first takes to encourage genuine expression and energy.
The album's eight original compositions show a pianist well capable of creating an engaging mainstream groove, while not shying away from regular artistically-driven musical challenges. An inventively upbeat version of 'Summertime' adds a nice touch to a body of work that finds this topnotch jazz outfit in peak form.
A stunning major label debut finds West African guitarist Lionel Loueke's star well and truly on the rise.
An audition for a noted jazz institute led legendary pianist Herbie Hancock to comment that Loueke's playing featured "no territory that was forbidden". With outstanding support from bassist Massimo Biolcati and drummer Ferenc Nemeth Karibu rings with the vibrancy of classic solo runs and exciting new sounds.
Hancock and saxophonist Wayne Shorter lend a hand on two tracks apiece, with the ten-minute opus 'Light Dark' showcasing all three headliners in a whirlwind of jazz creativity. Loueke's percussive vocals featuring African tongue-clicks and pops top off a unique jazz listening experience. Jazz guitar enthusiasts are almost certain to find Karibu a breath of fresh air.
Iconic DVDs Various Artists Jazz Icons Series (2007) Naxos
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The vaults of European TV studios offer up seven more instalments of the superb 'Jazz Icons' DVD series.
In some cases gathering dust for almost 50 years, these sensational performances have been masterfully transferred to DVD and packaged to perfection. The latest discs are available as a boxed set with a bonus DVD or as individual titles.
While it would be hard to pass up any set featuring names like Ellington, Brubeck and Mingus - the cream of the crop here would have to be the 95-minute John Coltrane entry. Featuring outstanding concerts from 1960, '61 and '65 and support from the likes of Oscar Peterson, Stan Getz, McCoy Tyner and Eric Dolphy - this is Trane at his legendary best.
Other new entries include Sarah Vaughan, Dexter Gordon and Wes Montgomery. The first nine instalments in the series took the jazz world by storm. Featuring the same outstanding quality, titles include Thelonious Monk, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald. Little wonder jazz enthusiasts the world over are finding this series simply irresistible.
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Jazz 100 runs two online polls allowing site visitors an interactive way to get involved--classic jazz and new breed. Visitors have the option of nominating CDs for inclusion in the polls. Results are regularly used to update the main lists and published annually in the Jazz 100 year-end roundup. Your participation is greatly appreciated and helps us keep Jazz 100 fresh and up-to-date.
