Features
My Top 10 Influential Jazz Albums – Jonathan Ross
Jazz Guitar Today continues to reach out to players to ask the question, “What albums influenced you and your playing style?”
Jonathan Ross is a very active member of the music scene in Chicago, IL, where he grew up. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies from Columbia College Chicago in 2008. Jonathan taught Music courses at the University of Toledo while earning his Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies, graduating in 2017. He is always seeking continued growth in his musicianship and is constantly searching for the good notes. On any given day, Jon can be usually be found at Jam sessions all over the Chicagoland area. Let’s see what he has to say about the albums that influenced his playing…
Money Jungle – DUKE ELLINGTON ft. Charles Mingus and Max Roach
The first track, “Very Special” was the first Jazz track that really got my attention. It was simple, clear, yet impactful. “African Flower” was another favorite of mine from this album. I would credit this album as what got me started on Jazz.
“Blue Bossa” by KENNY DORHAM
I used to take guitar lessons in a small studio in Oak Park, IL. Several times a year the school would hold recitals for the guitar students. Kids were playing all kinds of stuff, but usually in the Rock vein, including myself, who played mostly Rock and Blues at that time. An older kid got up and played “Blue Bossa” on Guitar, complete with an improvisation. In hindsight, it was probably a very rudimentary solo, but it had a big impact on me, because I had never heard anyone play guitar like that at the time. This planted the seed of improvisational playing in me, and I still make improvisation the main element of my playing no matter what genre I’m playing.
Incredible Jazz Guitar – WES MONTGOMERY
What can be said about this album that hasn’t already been said? Furthermore, what can I say as a guitar player that countless other guitar players haven’t already said? Wes influenced everyone from John Abercrombie, Pat Metheny, George Benson, Jimi Hendrix… you name it! I was particularly drawn to his dark, warm guitar tone, and the seemingly endless well of ideas that he had.
The Poll Winners – BARNEY KESSEL, RAY BROWN, SHELLEY MANNE
Another example of hearing some basically “shred” on guitar, but in a way I’d never heard before. To this day, I’m still trying to work on the solo to “Jordu” here and there. One day, I’ll master it. I’ve never been a particularly “chopsy” or speedy player. Which leads me to the next selection. Barney had one of the most consistent guitar tones in recorded music.
Jim Hall Trio – LIVE
Yet another guitarist with a completely. unique sound and approach. Jim Hall would play a melodic idea, and then pretty much never repeat it. Sure, he’d take a melodic fragment and play it in a sequence sometimes, but he never seemed to run out of ideas. Some guitar players have their cliches, even Wes. Jim Hall hardly had any. He wasn’t going to tear your head off with a million blazing fast licks. He’s not that type of player. But, he was a different kind of virtuoso. Speaking of virtuosos…
Top 10 Influential Jazz Albums Continued…
The Best of JOE PASS (Pacific Jazz Label)
This album should be called “How to Play Jazz Guitar”, because it covers literally everything from Bebop, Hard Bop, Latin, Solo guitar, etc. And he plays 12-string guitar, Nylon string classical, Steel-string Acoustic, as well as standard 6-string electric Jazz Guitar. Every bit of Joe Pass vocabulary is on this compilation. My favorites are “Django”, “Night and Day” and “C.E.D.”. This album also holds a special place in my memory, as it was what I would listen to driving to class every morning during my short stint in Junior College. I’d grab a coffee and a couple of donuts, and drive to class listening to this. It was the best way to start the day. I was a young student back then, still trying to get a lot of things together with Jazz, and in some ways, I still am. I go back to this album often. This is a great album to study.
I Want to Hold Your Hand – GRANT GREEN
I am drawn to musicians who have their own sound. Grant Green, not only had soul to spare, but also got a crisp and clear (almost bell-like) sound from his Gibson ES-330 (in his early days before switching guitars toward the end of his life). I was drawn to the organ sound, and now that I type this, I’m pretty sure this was the first time I heard guitar and organ together on an album. I was also drawn to the cover, which featured a beautiful and mysterious woman with deep and dark eyes, which compliments the music very well. I’m a Millennial/Gen X cusp, so album covers are important to me. But, the album could have featured a picture of a sandwich, and the music would still be great.
Boss Guitar – WES MONTGOMERY.
(See the above WES entry. The same applies here). This also applies to just about every Wes release. Although this is typical Wes, the sound of the album is different. It sounds a lot brighter to me. Try playing his chordal rendition of “Days of Wine and Roses”. This is a perfect example of Wes’ signature “Block Chords”.
Top 10 Influential Jazz Albums Continued…
Smokin’ at the Half Note – WES MONTGOMERY
Again, a game-changer for me. Pat Metheny has described “If You Could See Me Now” off this record as the best guitar music ever recorded. He may be right. The opening track, “No Blues” will give you many different tools to play a good Jazz Blues. Transcribe some of it! Wes’ solo just builds and builds. In my opinion, one of the greatest blues tracks ever recorded.
Somethin’ Else – CANNONBALL ADDERLY
Firstly, look at this incredible lineup! Miles, Blakey, Sam Jones, and Hank Jones. The sound of this record is hard for me to describe. If you live in a large metropolitan area, listen to this as you walk through the busiest train/bus terminal you can find. This album reminds me of Union Station in Chicago. That to me is the sound of this album. For many, Kind of Blue was their first introduction to Miles, but to me, this album is the perfect introduction.
Check out more Jazz Guitar Today Top 10 lists