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"CD Recordings"

VISION MUSIC

SUGGESTED LISTENING PAGE

Which CD to buy? - Let us make life easier for you!

About the Recordings...

Vision Music is now collaborating with Amazon.com to both recommend CDs that we feel will be of great interest to our fans, making it easy for you to buy them through our affiliate site.

In particular, with the slant at Vision Music being strongly related to the "blue side" of jazz, we routinely are asked for suggestions as to "which" recording by a specific artist would be a solid choice, based on our past experience and overall knowledge of existing CD recordings.

 

 

Some of Our Favorites...

Below are several recommended recordings by great artists. Simply click on the CD cover or the title to get additional information or purchase the recording. We've also included links to the artist's page at our affiliate site. View all recordings, read reviews, and listen to audio clips. Have fun!

 

CHARLIE CHRISTIAN

 SOLO FLIGHT - WITH BENNY GOODMAN

Famous, vintage recording from this jazz guitar pioneer, who greatly influenced Wes Montgomery and the entire lineage of the instrument. A notable, very early release that should be in every fan's library.

To view all titles by Charlie Christian, click here!

 

 

WES MONTGOMERY

 INCREDIBLE JAZZ GUITAR

The 1960 release that many felt put Wes Montgomery on the map as the logical successor to Charlie Christian. As the title suggests, this epic release showcases the man who would change history.

 FULL HOUSE

Early, vintage Wes and one of his classic recordings during that time period. Johnny Griffin, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb create a stellar line-up behind Montgomery. How can you go wrong?

 JIMMY & WES: THE DYNAMIC DUO

One of the great guitar/organ pairings of the sixties finds Wes and the incomparable Jimmy Smith going toe to toe. Another fine recording for both artists, and a real treat for fans of blues and jazz.

 SMOKIN' AT THE HALF-NOTE

Considered the 'father' of jazz guitar, Wes recorded this highly popular classic on Verve in the later sixties, when most feel that he was at his best. If you never own another Wes CD, get this one!

To view all titles by Wes Montgomery, click here!

 

 

HANK GARLAND

 JAZZ WINDS FROM A NEW DIRECTION

Still one of the most extraordinary jazz guitar recordings of all time, by the legendary Mr. Garland. A 'must-have' featuring 'Sugarfoot' at his best, with the 16-year-old vibe phenom Gary Burton!

To view all titles by Hank Garland, click here!

 

 

HOWARD ROBERTS

 COLOR HIM FUNKY - H.R. IS A DIRTY GUITAR PLAYER

Considered a legend before his time, Howard Roberts released two great recordings in the early sixties that had a resounding influence on many, many guitarists. This CD features both. Classic organ group!

To view all titles by Howard Roberts, click here!

 

 

GRANT GREEN

IDLE MOMENTS

One of many fine recordings by Grant Green, a jazz guitarist with a true passion for blues and rhythmic creativity, and a player who influenced Benson, Burrell, and many others. Essential listening!

To view all titles by Grant Green, click here!

 

 

GEORGE BENSON

 NEW BOSS GUITAR

Though just 21-years-of-age at the time, George released his first album as a leader, with legendary organist Jack McDuff and his band. Great early blues and jazz guitar work by a future star.

 GIBLET GRAVY

One of two brilliant GB recordings on Verve from the mid-sixties, this release captures George during the peak of his early, rhythm and blues-oriented time period. Hot & funky! Also see Talking Verve.

 COOKBOOK

A very familiar release to any fan of GB's early, spirited jazz work, with Ronnie Cuber, Lonnie Smith, and others. Great bebop interplay between guitar and baritone sax makes this recording a keeper!

 BODY TALK

One of several terrific recordings for CTI in the early 70s, GB is in his element with this fine collection of funky grooves. If you like guitar solos loaded with hot licks, don't miss this release.

 BAD BENSON

Perhaps his hottest recording, guitarist George Benson is clearly on fire in this release, one of many great ones for the CTI label in the early seventies. Includes his classic version of "Take Five."

 WHITE RABBIT

Yet another memorable recording by GB during his CTI period, this one also featuring the work of a very young acoustic guitarist by the name of Earl Klugh. Solid work on all fronts.

 BREEZIN'

Still the top-selling release by a jazz guitarist, Benson set the tone for future international stardom and popularity with this seventies release, surprisingly with only one vocal ("This Masqerade").

 WEEKEND IN L.A.

A powerful live concert release by George with the same group that recorded Breezin' a few years earlier. Captivating solos and inspired playing abound. Features GB's "On Broadway" recording.

To view all titles by George Benson, click here!

 

 

KENNY BURRELL

 MIDNIGHT BLUE

You simply can't call yourself a Kenny Burrell fan if you don't own this classic, early release. This one defined KB as a souful jazz guitarist with an undying passion and love for the blues.

 KENNY BURRELL & JOHN COLTRANE

A rare pairing from the mid-fifties finds Kenny blowing it out with tenor saxophonist John Coltrane, plus a rhythm section of Tommy Flanagan, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb. Outstanding!

 BLUE BASH

Superb 1963 release with Jimmy Smith on organ and Burrell at his bluesy best on guitar. Several memorable tracks that make this one another mainstay for fans of both artists, and the blues, of course.

 ORGAN GRINDER SWING

If you love blues in your jazz and great organ and guitar work courtesy of Jimmy Smith and Kenny Burrell, this is a recording that you simply have to own. Trust us. It doesn't get any better!

 GOD BLESS THE CHLD

A terrific CTI release by Kenny Burrell from the early seventies. Well-produced recording capturing KB's larger than life sound in a variety of settings. Fine accompaniment by Ron Carter & others.

To view all titles by Kenny Burrell, click here!

 

 

JOE PASS

 VIRTUOSO

The album title is befitting the man, because Joe Pass had a career unlike any other. A true ambassador of jazz guitar, this was just the first of several stunning solo releases for the Pablo label.

 TUDO BEM!

A fine Joe Pass release, capturing the guitarist in a Brazilian setting. Surrounded by a solid group of latin musicians, Joe delivers brilliant interpretations of classics by Antonio Carlos Jobim and others.

 TAKE LOVE EASY

What a treat to hear the vocal work of the legendary Ella Fitzgerald in this much-heralded recording, backed by none other than Joe Pass on guitar. There aren't many vocal/guitar duo releases like this one!

 PACIFIC JAZZ YEARS

A best of Joe Pass collection featuring some of his greatest recordings from earlier in his career. Some solo guitar work, but the majority showcase Joe's tremendous ability with ensemble accompaniment.

To view all titles by Joe Pass, click here!

 

 

PAT MARTINO

 EL HOMBRE

One of his earliest recordings, jazz guitarist Pat Martino has long been recognized as one of the most significant musicians of our day and age. Outstanding guitar work showcasing his amazing talent.

 ALL SIDES NOW

This is an unusual Martino recording, pairing him with several fine guitarists, like Tuck Andress, Kevin Eubanks, Joe Satriani, Les Paul, Mike Stern, and others. If you're a fan of great guitar, check it out.

 LIVE AT YOSHI'S

A strong performance by Martino is captured live on this recent effort, recorded at the popular East Bay jazz venue. Pat teams up with organist Joey de Francesco. Superb playing.

To view all titles by Pat Martino, click here!

 

 

HENRY JOHNSON

 NEW BEGINNINGS

A 1993 release by this fine jazz guitarist hailing from Chicago. One of the most obvious descendents of Wes Montgomery, Henry shows all sides of his talent on this great recording, featuring Freddie Hubbard.

 MISSING YOU

Highly acclaimed recording released in 1994, capturing the guitarist in superb form. Versatile playing in a contemporary music setting, mixing elements of solid pop grooves with mainstream jazz.

 AN EVENING AT SEA

Recorded live on the Queen Elizabeth II, this one showcases Johnson's straight-ahead jazz guitar ability. Surrounded by Kenny Drew, Jr., Paul Humphrey, and Larry Gray. No mistaking the real deal.

To view all titles by Henry Johnson, click here!

 

 

JIMMY BRUNO

 BURNIN'

The man called the 'Keeper of the Bebop Flame' lays it out in this CD, recorded on Concord Jazz in 1994. When it comes to hard bebop and restless energy, it's hard to match what you get with Mr. Bruno.

 LIKE THAT

Another terrific release by Jimmy, this time featuring his work with jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco, bassist Craig Thomas, and drummer Steve Holloway. Great work from beginning to end. Recommended.

To view all titles by Jimmy Bruno, click here!

 

 

OSCAR PETERSON

 NIGHT TRAIN

Heading the greatest piano trio ever, Oscar Peterson has released a staggering number of superb recordings during his stellar career. Featuring the legendary Ray Brown on bass. Ed Thigpen on drums.

 TRIO PLUS ONE

Imagine the brilliant trumpet work of Clark Terry joining forces with Oscar and his famous trio? A 'best kept secret' for any fan of jazz and blues. It'll become one of your favorites, too.

THE TRIO

Just a terrific collaboration between guitarist Joe Pass, bass giant Niels-Henning Orsted Pederson, and OP. All three jazz masters at the peak of their careers in this memorable Pablo release.

HELLO HERBIE

This recording reunites Oscar Peterson with Herb Ellis, his guitar player of so many years during OP's original "drummerless trio" period. As you'd expect, terrific performances by great players!

LIVE IN RUSSIA

Another superb release features many memorable recordings, with OP completely on top of his game, as usual. Vintage renditions of Duke's "Take the A Train" and several other classic standards. Don't miss it.

To view all titles by Oscar Peterson, click here!

 

 

RAY BROWN

 SEVEN STEPS TO HEAVEN

Solid 1995 quartet recording on Telarc. Ray is joined by Benny Green on piano, Ulf Wakenius on guitar, and Gregory Hutchinson on drums. A terrific release by one of the greatest bassists in jazz history.

 SUMMERTIME

The late bass legend and veteran of the Oscar Peterson Trio, captured in fine form on this 1998 release, showcasing Oscar's jazz guitarist Ulf Wakenius and pianist Geoff Keezer. Great tunes and great playing.

 SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS ARE GUITARISTS

Ray Brown should know all about jazz guitarists. Here he's joined by the likes of Herb Ellis, Kenny Burrell, Ulf Wakenius, Russell Malone, John Pizzarelli, and Bruce Forman. A rare treat for all guitar fans.

To view all titles by Ray Brown, click here!

 

 

JACO PASTORIUS

 JACO PASTORIUS

The famous recording by one of the most innovative electric bassists in jazz history, Pastorius went on to redefine the instrument's role in many settings. This release set a new standard for playing bass.

To view all titles by Jaco Pastorius, click here!

 

 

MILES DAVIS

 KIND OF BLUE

This epic release by trumpet legend Miles Davis is thought of as the greatest small-group recording in all of jazz history. John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderly, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb.

 MILESTONES

Another landmark Davis recording that paved the way for jazz and its future, typical of any release during the late fifties and the sixties by this innovative artist. Highly recommended.

To view all titles by Miles Davis, click here!

 

 

CHARLIE PARKER

 THE ESSENTIAL CHARLIE PARKER

Where do you start when you're discussing the most influential bebop musician of the 20th century, the alto saxophone virtuoso nicknamed "Bird?" Start with this excellent release, but don't stop there...

To view all titles by Charlie Parker, click here!

 

 

JOHN COLTRANE

 GIANT STEPS

Like Bird, in tenor saxophonist John Coltrane we have one of the most significant players and composers in the history of jazz. Trane's epic release of 'Giant Steps' is but one of countless great recordings.

To view all titles by John Coltrane, click here!

 

 

Legends of Blues & Beyond...

The guitarists shown below should be highly familiar to you, and represent some of the major roots of blues guitar and the rock/fusion guitarists who were highly-impacted by their influence.

Shown from left to right, starting at the top: B.B. King, Albert King, Albert Collins, Freddie King, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robben Ford, and Larry Carlton.

To view all available CD recordings by any of the above artists, click on their image!

 

 

On A Personal Note...

The artists and titles shown above are but a mere fraction of the outstanding recordings on the market, both by these artists and by numerous others. Because Vision Music caters to guitarists more than other instrumentalists, you're seeing personal influences based on years and years of transcribing and learning from these mentors, although if the list were to include all influences from all players, it would simply be too long to publish.

Many fans write, not knowing what a good "first Wes" recording might be, or because they've heard conversations about the "early blues-oriented" work of guitarists like George Benson and Kenny Burrell, but don't know where to start. All of the above titles are highly-recommended!

- Mark Stefani

 

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