From the Crates

Jay Nachowitz, focused on classic Jazz recordings.

A 35 plus-year veteran of the music business, Jay represents, books, and manages jazz musicians. Jay has a degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Bridgeport, studied at The Juilliard School of Music in New York, and is a former traveling musician. Jay’s current and former Artists include; Alexis Cole, Bill Mays, Claudio Roditi, Dena DeRose, Jumaane Smith, Marvin Stamm, Wycliffe Gordon.

Jay's Top 5 Albums to Take on a Road Trip

If you were to take 5 albums with you on a roadtrip, here is what I would bring.

October 2023

Freddie Hubbard
The Hub of Hubbard 
 
The album was recorded at Villingen, Black Forest, Germany on December 9, 1969. It was released on the MPS label and features performances by Hubbard, Eddie Daniels, Sir Roland Hanna, Richard Davis and Louis Hayes.

Tad Jones and Mel Lewis Orchestra
Consummation

This beauty was released in 1970 on Blue Note Records and re-released in 2002. Recorded at A&R
Studios in New York City, the album was nominated for a 1970 Grammy award in the “Best Jazz Performance – Large Group. The album was produced by Sonny Lester.

Maynard Ferguson 
Message from Newport 
 
The album was recorded in 1958 and originally released on the Roulette label.  Although the album was recorded live in the studio, the label wanted to capitalize on the bands successful appearance at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival.
 
The actual recording dates at Capitol Studios, New York City, was May 6, 7, & 8, 1958.
Miles Davis
Sketches of Spain 
 
Sketches of Spain was recorded between November 1959 and March 1960 at the Columbia 30th Street Studio in New York City. The album at the time was described as the perfect example of recording in the third stream,  a musical fusion of jazz, European classical, and styles from world music.
 
The album was the third recording project with arranger Gil Evans, and was considered to be the bridge that moved Miles to a mainstream audience in the 60’s. 
Eddie Harris and Les McCann
Swiss Movement 
 
Recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland in June 1969, as a result from an  impromptu jam session when tenor saxophonist Eddie Harris and trumpeter Benny Bailey joined Les McCann’s regular trio.
 
McCann’s regular rhythm section of Leroy Vinnegar on bass and Donald Dean on drums provided the backup support for the set that turned into a all-time classic recording that included “Cold Duck Soup,” and “Compared To What.”

July 2023

Miles Davis, “Some Day My Prince Will Come”

 

Released in December 1961, Miles Davis continued on a path of sustained greatness with “Some Day My Prince Will Come.” The album lineup featured pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, drummers Jimmy Cobb, and the great Philly Jo Jones. The primary saxophonist was Hank Mobley, along with John Coltrane on the title track and “Teo.”

Freddie Hubbard, “First Light”

 

This masterpiece was released on the CTI label in 1971. Appearing on the album was Herbie Hancock, guitarist Eric Gale and George Benson, bassist Ron Carter, along with Jack DeJohnette on drums, Airto Moreira, and Richard Wyands. Setting the proper perspective was outstanding string arrangements from Don Sebesky.

Stanley Turrentine, “Sugar”

 

Recorded in 1970, this album reinforced the high level of creativity and music performance that was originating from the CTI label. Turrentine was performing at an extremely high level, and the musicians who performed on this gem matched his level. The album featured many artist we came to expect from a CTI recording, including George Benson, Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter, and organist Butch Cornell. The standout tracks in my opinion are “Sugar” and “Impressions.”

Return To Forever, “Romantic Warrior”

 
Released in 1976, this album is considered by many to be the bands most popular album. The album was recorded at the legendary Caribou Ranch, and featured Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, and Al Di Meola. The most intriguing aspect of this album is that it’s layered with multiple fusion aspects, but leaves plenty of room for traditional jazz elements.

John Coltrane, “Blue Train”

 

Released in 1958 on the Blue Note label, this album reinforced Coltrane’s status as one of the most influential artist in music. The album featured Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Kenny Drew, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Jo Jones on drums.

April 2023

Miles Davis, Kind of Blue

The album was released in 1959, and featured John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb, and Wynton Kelly

John Coltrane, A Love Supreme

Released in 1965, this groundbreaking album featured McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and drummer Elvin Jones.

Lee Morgan, The Sidewinder

Morgan’s classic jam was released in 1964 on the Blue Note label. The musicians with Morgan included Joe Henderson on sax, Barry Harris on piano, Bon Crenshaw on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums.

Wes Montgomery, Movin’ Wes

This album was released on the Verve label in 1967. The album reinforced the style and technique of his instrument that made Wes a formidable artist on the Billboard charts. The album was produced by Creed Taylor.

Herbie Hancock, Maiden Voyage

This album is quintessential Herbie Hancock, and remains a classic recording amongst music enthusiasts. The album was released on the Blue Note label in 1965, and featured Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, George Coleman on sax, Ron Carter on bass, and Tony Williams on drums.


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