Masters of Jazz

Sidney Bechet (1897-1959), who managed to be recorded even before his contemporary and occasional musical partner, Louis Armstrong, remains one of jazz's most important and distinctive soloists. Though a great clarinetist, Bechet was best known for his intense, vibrato-laden tone on the soprano saxophone (an influence on musicians as diverse as Bob Wilber, Johnny Hodges, and avant-gardists Steve Lacy and Albert Ayler). While he never progressed beyond the traditional New Orleans/Dixieland style, Bechet was always a colorful and vibrant presence on the scene, and MASTERS OF JAZZ makes for a fine introduction to this master's later recordings.

top jazz general CDs

A Night Before Christmas - Spyro Gyra +w Spyro Gyra: Julio Fernandez (guitar); Jay Beckenstein (saxophone); Tom Schuman...  read more

2.  Warblepeck - Tony Malaby Cello Trio +w 3.  To Jobim With Love - Toninho Horta +w 4.  Cantando - Bobo Stenson Trio +w 5.  The Live Smoke Sessions - Lea DeLaria +w 6.  Amy Winehouse Smooth Jazz Tribute - Amy Winehouse Tribute +w 7.  I Want You: Love in the Spirit of Marvin - Kim Waters +w 8.  What A Night! A Christmas Album - Harry Connick Jr. +w 9.  Ripples - Scott Sherwood/Bob Rodriguez +w 10.  The Best of The Christmas Collection/The Definitive Collection - Louis Armstrong +w