MOSAIC CONTEMPORARY RECOMMENDS THE BEST OF THE BEST
Mosaic Contemporary Recommends
Contemporary Jazz Essentials: With so many terrific recordings by amazingly talented artists performing in the Contemporary Jazz genre, it can be difficult to figure out what titles are absolutely essential to your collection, warranting repeated listening, sure to stand the test of time. Here are Mosaic Contemporary's suggestions of the absolutely vital titles.
Guitar Must-Haves: These seminal recordings present a sampling of the incredible breadth of guitar-playing talent that exists in Contemporary Jazz. Sure, there are other players, and each of these guys have made other terrific records, but these are the surefire killers.
Saxophone Masterpieces: It's safe to say that the most popular instrument in jazz is the saxophone, and some of the most important musicians throughout the history of the music have chosen it to express themselves. These players represent the most important and individual voices playing in the Contemporary Jazz setting.
Great Groups: Since jazz is built on a foundation of creative interaction, it's no surprise the Contemporary Jazz has been populated by some incredible groups. From the rootsy Southern soul of the Crusaders to the impressive jazz-rock of the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Return to Forever to the sublimely uplifting and ambitious music of the Pat Metheny Group, the bands listed below have set the gold standard.
Five Fusion Masterworks: Following the release of Miles Davis' Bitches Brew, several musicians who had worked with the trumpeter formed groups that broke fresh ground in the early '70s by fusing jazz with rock, R&B, funk, and/or World music. These masterpieces by the five most important bands of this period are crucial titles that are a key part of any serious Contemporary Jazz fan's collection.
Vital Vocalists: With so many guitarists and saxophonists on the Contemporary Jazz scene and Smooth Jazz radio playing mainly Pop, AC, and Urban Contemporary vocalists, it's easy to lose sight of the fact that there are amazing vocalists stretching the boundaries of jazz in contemporary settings. This list is a great place to start.
Indispensable Jazz-Rock Fusion: If a guy who played drums in an incredibly successful rock band makes a jazz record, is it jazz-inspired rock or rock-inspired jazz? Who cares? If you haven't already heard these folks, check 'em out. You may be surprised by what you hear!
Crucial Collaborations: The spirit of collaboration has always been an essential part of all types of jazz. The following recordings document the times where great players on the same wavelength have gotten together and created magic.
