Your introduction to jazz
Louis Armstrong & His Hot 5 -- "Hotter Than That"\nOne of the best-known entertainers to ever live not only shaped jazz, but shaped the face of popular music in general. This track showcases early work of the first great improviser in jazz as he demonstrates his chops and trademark gravelly vocal tone as he scats along to this jovial tune.
Charlier Parker -- "Ko Ko"\nCharlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie were at the forefront of the bebop movement during the 1940s, reacting to the rigidness and safety of the jazz during the previous years. With bebop, the tempos increased, improvisation trumped arrangements, and the melody dropped to the background while musicians began to explore harmonic possibilities.
Miles Davis -- "So What"\nSadly, what most college-aged students know Miles Davis as nothing more than part of a quotation from an Adam Sandler movie. Davis was a true innovator in jazz and on his album, Kind of Blue, he was aided by the help jazz giants John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb. This track demonstrates a sultry Coltrane solo, tight rhythm section and Davis' uniquely stylish timbre.
John Coltrane -- "Acknowledgement" \nJohn Coltrane's album, A Love Supreme, stands as an integral portion of the jazz canon. Few albums have explored the realms of musicality and spirituality so freely and its influence is immeasurable. This track shows Coltrane after battling with hard times and finding his way in his professional and personal life.
