Robin Dubois

"Somethin' Else" is a monumental recording by jazz virtuoso Cannonball Adderley. Fans and critics have deemed the work as one of jazz's most influential records. The album is an exhilarating display of hard bop and features stunning contributions by Miles Davis, Hank Jones, Sam Jones and Art Blakey. It is included on The Penguin Guide to Jazz's "Core Collection". The album features thrilling solos and the stunning tunes "Somethin' Else" and "Dancing in the Dark".

Tenor saxophonist John Coltrane was one of the most innovative, influential and respected figures in jazz history. In 1957, Coltrane created a masterpiece with the release of "Blue Train". The album has been widely regarded by both fans and critics as one of the greatest jazz records of all time. It was his second album as a band leader and found him accompanied by greats including Lee Morgan, Curtis Fuller, Kenny Drew, Paul Chambers and “Philly” Joe Jones. The album is a scintillating display of Coltrane’s innate leadership abilities. The stunning horn arrangements add a unique distinction symbolic of Coltrane and his band. A showcase of his versatility, Coltrane soars through tunes including “I’m Old Fashioned” and “Lazy Bird”.

"Free for All" is the 1964 masterpiece by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers. The album features a stellar lineup, which includes Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Curtis Fuller, Cedar Walton and Reggie Workman. The musicians display their undeniable chemistry and unmatched artistic powers. This seminal classical features the stellar tunes “The Core”, “Free for All” and “Pensativa”. "Free for All" is a historic outing that is essential for any collection.

"The Real McCoy" is an engaging and energizing set that finds the extraordinary pianist in peak form. The album highlights his development as both a composer and a performer. For his first album on Blue Note Records, McCoy is joined by Elvin Jones, Ron Carter and Joe Henderson. The quartet performs riveting tunes including “Passion Dance” and “Four by Five”.

"Go" is the sensational masterpiece by Dexter Gordon. Gordon was one of music’s leading tenor saxophonists, joined here by virtuosos: Sonny Clark, Butch Warren and Billy Higgins. This record has been deemed one of Gordon’s finest Blue Note releases. The master of bebop tenor saxophone performs hits including “Cheese Cake”, a Latin-tinged version of Porter’s “Love for Sale”, a breathtaking reading of “Where Are You?” and “I Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry”.

Celebrated jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan paved the way for the popularity of ‘60s soul-jazz with the release of his definitive classic "The Sidewinder". The title track and one of Morgan’s signature tunes exemplified the soul-jazz genre, later becoming a jazz standard. Recorded in 1963 at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio, the highly successful album would chart on both the Billboard 200 and Billboard’s Top R&B albums. Its provocative phrasing and innovative technique mesmerized audiences. The album includes the hard-bop tracks “Gary’s Notebook”, “Hocus-Pocus” and “Boy, What a Night”. An absolute essential.

Larry Young’s "Unity" was a revolutionary masterpiece. The album has been deemed by critics and fans as one of jazz’s best organ recordings of all time. This first-rate performance features legendary sidemen Woody Shaw, Joe Henderson and Elvin Jones. Young’s electrifying delivery not only challenged but redefined any preconceived notions. The ensemble’s chemistry is undeniable. Includes the high energy “Zoltan”, the widely popular “Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise” and a riveting rendition of “Monk’s Dream”. An undeniable classic for any music lover.