Jazz enthusiasts I need your help

Nice work, Corky.
Basie and the KC 7 is a must.

 

I know they've been mentioned, but two musts are Davis' Kind of Blue and Coltrane's Giant Steps.

 

Jeez, I know he's another generation back, and he can be a challenging listen unless you're head-over-heels infatuated with the skill set, but Art Tatum is the greatest jazz pianist that ever lived. I could play, a little (and I mean VERY little),
but I take consolation in the fact that if I could ever play worth a quarter, I'd listen to Tatum, and say to myself, "Why bother?"

 

Bix Beiderbecke was one of Jack Kerouac's favorites.
And JK loved Charlie "Bird" Parker, too.

(If any of that sways you)

 

Jack had very good taste in this area.

 

I can personally recommend any Larry Carlton-era CDs from The Crusaders.

Free as the Wind being my personal fave.

Larry's done some fine solo work and is featured prominently in Steely Dan's "Aja," among other strong albums.

 

Dropping in late, but this is exactly what I was going to recommend.