Here at the Wayward Winds, we like all kinds of great music. One of those genres that seems to have been neglected in recent years is that of true great Jazz. We will probably never see the likes of the breakout year of 1959 for Jazz music production. That year saw probably the greatest Jazz albums ever recorded. Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue”, Dave Brubeck Quartet’s “Time Out”, Thelonious Monk’s “5 by Monk by 5” came out in 1959 to name a few. There are many great artists that came before and after 1959; and like the great music that came from the 60’s, that production of Jazz will probably never be matched.

Jazz (and R&B) were the precursors to Rock and Roll and influential to some of the great mainstream performers of the 1960’s. Jazz was also the soundtrack for the Beatniks and Poets of the day. My interpretation of that hip cool scene also influences the Wayward Winds thought process.

If you read my last blog about the 1960’s you’ll know that I like YouTube for watching some of these performances. Check out the official “So What” video by Miles Davis. It’s in black and white and, because it is Miles, is unbelievably cool. Having Coltrane on Sax doesn’t hurt. Turn it up and listen closely to the genius of it all.

Another favorite YouTube video is that of the Dave Brubeck Quartet doing “Take Five” with Paul Desmond on Sax (it’s actually a Paul Desmond creation) and great drumming by Joe Morello. Eugene Wright anchors the group with his standup bass. This is also in B/W which adds a classic feel to it. (Which it is!)

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers tore it up too on “Moanin’”. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves but he put together some cool music.

Jimmy Smith wasn’t part of that 1959 group but he came along in the early 60’s and crushed it on the Hammond B-3 Organ. Watch “30 minutes live in 1965” with Jimmy Smith. He has the music running through his soul. (like most of the Jazz artists of the day).

I realize that so many Jazz greats and Jazz vocalists aren’t mentioned here and should be, but you can’t fit it all into one blog! I just listed the ones that I watch and listen to all the time. I’d love to hear your thoughts about who you think the greats are because I’ll add them to my watch list,.

Stay cool and follow the Wayward Winds. These artists certainly did.

David