How to Buy Jazz Albums

Whether you are just beginning to love jazz music or have loved it all your life, there are certain jazz artists and certain albums that are quintessential representations of jazz music. Choosing which albums and artists to buy varies greatly by taste, but there are certain ones that have and will continue to stand the test of time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look for John Coltrane albums. Any of his recordings showcase a man who is a master at his craft. Pick up his "A Love Supreme;" you will not be disappointed.

2. Get the must-have Miles Davis. Davis learned from Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. You can't go wrong with anything from Miles Davis or either of his mentors, for that matter. If you can't choose, pick up Davis' "Kind of Blue" album.

3. Pick up a few albums by Thelonious Monk, considered one of the founders of "Be Bop Jazz." Check out "Brilliant Corners."

4. Go with Charles Mingus. If the bass is your favorite instrument in jazz music, Charles Mingus is your go-to musician. Give a listen to "The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady," "Presents" and "Mingus Ah Um."

5. Opt for Billie Holiday. Arguably one of the greatest jazz and blues singers of all time, the album "Lady Day: The Best of Billie Holiday" contains many of her greatest songs.

6. Buy albums from Wynton or Branford Marsalis. These brothers create beautiful melodic jazz. Buy Branford's "Trio Jeepy" or Wynton's award-winning "Blood on the Fields."

Tips & Warnings

• Visit a used record or CD store when you are first beginning your jazz collection so you can get a feel for what you like before you make a major monetary investment.

Resources

• Learn about the history of Jazz music
• Get more information about jazz musicians