Marcus Roberts Picks Top Jazz Albums

New York, NY. (Top 40 Charts/ Shore Fire Media) - With his new album 'New Orleans Meets Harlem, Vol. 1' scheduled for March 31 release on J-Master (via TuneCore), we asked pianist Marcus Roberts for his five favorite classic jazz CDs.

1. "Monk's Dream" (Thelonious Monk Quartet)
This 1962 recording is Thelonious Monk at his best, playing with such imagination and improvisational skill. The music jumps out at you; it's joyous and optimistic. It's a wonderful blend of abstract harmonies with melodies drenched in folk blues and swing. This is a must-have CD for any jazz collection.

2. "Cross Country Tour: 1958-1961" (Ahmad Jamal Trio)
This is some of the finest playing by any trio in the history of jazz. Notice the elegance and intelligence with which Ahmad varies each arrangement in terms of their approach and delivery.

3. "The Complete Concert 1964" (Miles Davis Quintet)
It's a live recording of a benefit concert at Lincoln Center and even Miles himself thought that this was some of his best work. The group improvisation on the recording is just spectacular. Davis certainly establishes himself here as a legend, with the power, range and swing that he delivers on every piece.

4. "Crescent" (John Coltrane Quartet)
Crescent is perhaps Coltrane's most important recording. It was recorded in 1964, the same year as his landmark recording, "A Love Supreme". It demonstrates his group conception thoroughly - there's at least one tune featuring each band member in a way that brings out their unique talents and skills. This recording is a masterpiece. All of the arrangements are so well-conceived from beginning to end and the feeling of the music is deep and sincere. It's one of my favorite recordings. Enjoy it.

5. "Ella and Louis" (Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong)
This 1956 recording brought two of the most important voices together in the history of our music. They both sing with such soul, such beauty, and such magical syncopation, that you'll find your body moving the whole time you listen. And if you enjoy this, you can add one of their 1957 recordings "Ella and Louis Again" or "Porgy and Bess" to your collection.