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My Top 10 Influential Jazz Albums – Corey Christiansen
Jazz Guitar Today reached out to players to ask the question, “What albums influenced you and your playing style?”
Corey Christiansen is recognized as one of the preeminent jazz guitarists in the world. A performer and an educator, he is the author of “In the Style of” jazz luminaries series and serves as Director of Guitar Studies at Utah State University. Corey provided a list of his Top 10 albums (guitar and other) that influenced him. Top photo credit – Mark Sheldon
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Miles Davis – Kind of Blue: This is the album that made us want to really understand jazz. I know it’s cliché to list this album, but it is what it is.
McCoy Tyner – The Real McCoy: This album exemplifies what jazz is to me. Everyone (McCoy Tyner, Joe Henderson, Ron Carter, and Elvin Jones), playing with complete mastery and complete freedom.
Pat Metheny – Question and Answer: Pat Metheny playing at the top of his game. Ron Haynes bringing fire. What else is there to say.
Pat Metheny – Trio Live 99-00: Pat Metheny with Larry Grenadier and Bill Stuart. Question and Answer is my favorite track, though everything is simply amazing on this trio outing.
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Bill Frisell – Gone Just Like a Train: Bill Frisell with Victor Krauss and Jim Keltner. The recording quality of this album is second to none. Bill conquers both electric and acoustic guitars on this amazing album.
Vic Juris – Second Look: I love this album because Vic really does some amazing things here with his long-time cohorts, Jay Anderson on bass and Tim Horner on drums, and a special appearance on a few tracks by David Liebman. I love this album by the merits of it’s music but also because I was privileged to co-produce this album with Vic. If you haven’t checked this one out, please do. You won’t be disappointed.
Miles Davis – In a Silent Way: This album had a profound influence on me and really was one of the albums that inspired me to take the directions I have with my music over the last 10 years. It was recorded in the 60s and still sounds fresh and brand new to this day.
John Scofield – Hand Jive: The whole band is amazing on this record. Great vibe and Eddie Harris is simply playing some of the best of his life. With Bill Stewart and Larry Goldings and Dennis Irwin… wow. Just wow.
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Dizzy Gillespie – Sonny Side Up: Man, This album is amazing. Dizzy with Sonny Stitt and Sonny Rollins. Bebop and hard-swinging tunes at their finest. Dizzy’s solo on Sunny Side of the Street is simply over the top.
Joe Henderson – So Near So Far: This tribute to Miles Davis is simply exquisite. The treatment of each of Miles’ tunes on this album is perfect in every way.
Jazz Guitar Today: Thanks Corey!
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