What this section is all about
All of us have been disappointed with a critically acclaimed release that fell short of our expectations. We have also been annoyed to discover that a release some critics had downplayed is comparable to other recordings we find most satisfying.
In Dave’s innumerable trips to record stores over the years, he has also witnessed the now-familiar scenario of a prospective buyer standing before a browser containing dozens of releases by a player with recording credits as long as your arm. The buyer fingers through the offerings for a few minutes, pulls out and looks at the packaging on 6 or 7, then puts everything back and walks away. Without any kind of guide to comparative quality, the perplexed, frustrated shopper buys nothing.
These are his primary reasons for spotlighting the best of each artist’s recordings:
- To sort out the countless releases that many leading artists have amassed over several decades
- To bring unheralded or neglected performers to the attention of enthusiasts who may, in return, discover new listening pleasures
- To counter previous ratings of recordings that have been generally overrated or underrated
Dave took all these factors into account in selecting the artists whose recordings are listed here. They appear not as a result of any predetermined methodical process but rather because he wishes to clarify the recorded development of certain artists over a period of many years.
He also understands that most listeners don’t wish to trust a single source of critical evaluation and should cross-reference these ratings with those of Scott Yanow in the All Music Guide to Jazz. There will be occasional disagreements about specific releases, but between Dave’s ratings and Yanow’s reviews of the same recordings, listeners can feel quite secure in their quest for the best artist recordings available.
Note: These listings include some original issues that may not have been reissued as CDs at the time these selections were made. Amazon.com or CD Universe (cduniverse.com) will have current information.