Jazz guitar is a genre of music that is characterized by improvisation, swing rhythms, and the use of the guitar as a lead instrument. Many great jazz guitarists have released albums that have become classics in the genre. Below are some good jazz guitar albums:
- “The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery” by Wes Montgomery
This album, released in 1960, features Montgomery’s signature style of playing with his thumb instead of a pick. It includes tracks such as “West Coast Blues” and “Four on Six”.
Source: AllMusic review of “The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery”
- “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis
Although not strictly a jazz guitar album, this 1959 album features legendary jazz guitarist, John Coltrane. It includes tracks such as “So What” and “All Blues” and is considered one of the greatest jazz albums of all time.
Source: AllMusic review of “Kind of Blue”
- “The Bridge” by Sonny Rollins
Released in 1962, this album features Jim Hall on guitar. The album includes tracks such as “Without a Song” and “God Bless the Child”.
Source: AllMusic review of “The Bridge”
- “Midnight Blue” by Kenny Burrell
Released in 1963, this album features Burrell’s blend of blues and jazz. It includes tracks such as “Chitlins Con Carne” and “Midnight Blue”.
Source: AllMusic review of “Midnight Blue”
- “Beyond the Missouri Sky (Short Stories)” by Charlie Haden and Pat Metheny
Released in 1997, this album features Metheny’s signature sound with Haden’s bass. It includes tracks such as “Waltz for Ruth” and “The Precious Jewel”.
Source: AllMusic review of “Beyond the Missouri Sky (Short Stories)”
- “The Inflated Tear” by Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Although not strictly a jazz guitar album, this 1968 album features the guitar work of the underrated Roland Prince. It includes tracks such as “The Black and Crazy Blues” and “Freaks for the Festival”.
Source: AllMusic review of “The Inflated Tear”
- “Smokin’ at the Half Note” by Wes Montgomery and the Wynton Kelly Trio
Released in 1965, this album features Montgomery’s virtuosic guitar work. It includes tracks such as “No Blues” and “If You Could See Me Now”.
Source: AllMusic review of “Smokin’ at the Half Note”
These are just a few examples of good jazz guitar albums. There are many more out there that are worth exploring.
