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Benny Goodman
Benny Goodman – Benny Goodman (eMusic)
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday may not have commanded the most powerful or most versatile voice, but she will entrance you and transport you to another world like no other vocalist can.
Lady Day: The Master Takes and Singles
You could get this from iTunes, but then you’ll probably just end up downloading every track, anyway.
The Boilermaker Jazz Band
A contemporary vintage jazz band—a favourite with dancers.
The Boilermaker Jazz Band – You Do Something To Me (eMusic)
Count Basie
Count Basie led one of the hardest swinging big bands. (Technically, more than one, but there’s no need to quibble.)
Count Basie – Count Basie’s Finest Hour
Chick Webb
Chick Webb led the house band at the famous Savoy Ballroom, the stomping ground of the best lindy hoppers, where they battled—and bested—many visiting bands.
Chick Webb – Strictly Jive (eMusic)
Django Reinhardt
Django Reinhardt – Anthology 1934-1937 (eMusic)
Duke Ellington
One of the greatest composers. Ellington’s music often defies categorization and tends towards a depth and sophistication that is nearly unmatched. The stylistic range of Ellington’s music is so diverse that it is practically a universe of music unto itself.
Ivie & Duke Vol. 2: All God’s Chillun (eMusic)
Features the wonderful vocalist Ivie Anderson.
Duke Ellington – The Centennial Edition – Highlights From 1927-1973
A good introduction to the full range of Ellington’s music. Caveat: Many of the songs are not dance music. Caveat #2: Do not get this set from iTunes—it is not available in the DRM-free iTunes Plus format.
Ella Fitzgerald
The Complete Ella Fitzgerald Song Books
Unless you have money to burn, I suggest picking out your favourite tracks in this box set from iTunes.
Ella Fitzgerald and Her Famous Orchestra – Live at the Savoy 1939-40
Although known as a vocalist, Ella Fitzgerald worked a three year stint as a band leader.
Fats Waller
Fats Waller’s music bursts with so much joy and playfulness it’s all but impossible to keep from dancing and smiling while listening to it.
Jelly Roll Morton
Jelly Roll Morton claimed to be the inventor of jazz. While this assertion is rather absurd, the music he produced is certainly no joke.
Jelly Roll Morton – Jelly Roll Morton (eMusic)
Jimmie Lunceford
Jimmie Lunceford – Strictly Lunceford
Bargain box sets from Proper tend to be poorly remastered, but this one is something of a gem. This 4 disc set is packed with more wonderful music than you can shake a stick at; and sound quality, though not perfect, is for the most part quite decent.
Louis Armstrong
One of the most influential and recognizable figures in jazz, the sounds of Louis Armstrong’s cornet, trumpet, and voice are unmistakable. If there is a single musician that personifies jazz, it is Louis Armstrong.
Louis Armstrong – Hot Fives And Sevens (eMusic)
His brilliant, seminal early recordings. The second and third volumes in this set are particularly recommended. Essential for all jazz fans.
