People always ask if I have any recommendations, especially those new to jazz.  I've finally put together my discography of essentials new and old for various musical styles.  The list will continue to grow.  Look for my Latin picks next.  I would love to hear your feedback.  Write me at rickberlsmusic@yahoo.com

Instrumental Jazz

Dave Brubeck - Try The Essential Dave Brubeck (2003) for an intro.  You'll then want to find everything he's recorded.  This piano master is my favorite. A brilliant composer.  Take Five and listen.

Mile Davis - Kind of Blue.  This is probably the cornerstone and first recommendation of any serious jazzman.  Join the club.  Also check out Milestones.

Jimmy Smith,  Joey DeFrancesco  - Hammond B3 Organ Jazz.  Perhaps one of my favorite styles. Smith, the master, passed early 2006.  DeFrancesco is his modern day counterpart.

Art Tatum - I recommend the album 20th Century Piano Genius (2000).  Anything by Tatum will soothe your soul and humble the pianist in you.

Grant Green - His Majesty King Funk.  Oh yeah.  Also try The Complete Quartets with Sonny Clark.  After listening to the tune Mambo Inn, You might book a vacation just to sit on the beach and listen to this.

Ahmad Jamal - Poinciana

Cannonball Adderley - Saxophone anyone?

John Scofield - That's What I Say.  A tribute to Ray Charles (2005).  Put on your dancin' shoes.

Vocal Jazz

Ella Fitzgerald - Find anything you can and play it.  Is there a better jazz vocalist in the world?  I  think not.

Nina Simone - Try The Amazing Nina Simone(1959) and Nina Simone Sings the Blues(1966).  Find the songs I Want a Little Sugar in my Bowl and Blues for Mama.

The new breed of jazz vocalists:  Check out Jamie Cullum, Madeleine Peyroux, Diana Krall and Lizz Wright.