Famous jazz musicians. Players who have graced the history of jazz.

Blue MonkThelonious Monk

Thelonious Monk Quartet – Blue Monk

A modern jazz pianist who left behind many masterpieces of delightfully off-kilter jazz numbers that sound like the melody is slightly askew.

His playing is so distinctive that people’s tastes tend to split sharply, yet that very originality is, I think, his hallmark as an artist and what continues to captivate music fans.

Do you like him?

Alone TogetherKenny Dorham

Kenny Dorham – Alone Together

Kenny Dorham was a jazz trumpet player from Texas, born in 1924, and a leading trumpeter of the bebop era.

His piece “Alone Together” is a sterling masterpiece by Dorham, whose beautiful tone and phrasing deeply resonate with the listener.

Feel Like Makin’ LoveLarry Coryell

Feel Like Makin’ Love

Larry Coryell, the American guitarist affectionately known as the “Godfather of Fusion.” His guitar playing, which fuses the energetic spirit of rock with the refined technique of jazz, seems to smash through genre barriers.

The Free Spirits, the band he formed, are credited with opening the door to jazz-rock.

In particular, the album “Spaces,” recorded with Chick Corea and others, became a historic masterpiece that went on to sell 250,000 copies.

You can’t help but feel the drama of music in the story that this one record paved the way for future stars.

One listen to his innovative guitar work, and you’re sure to become a fusion devotee!

ChromazoneMike Stern

Mike Stern – Chromazone

Mike Stern is an American guitarist who combines the heart of jazz with the soul of rock.

Among his solo works, the highly popular “Upside Downside” features collaborations with star musicians like Jaco Pastorius and David Sanborn.

One moment he delivers tear-tinged phrases that cut deep into the blues, and the next he unleashes breathtakingly fast bebop lines—his performance is truly overwhelming.

The floating, spacious sound he crafts using chorus and delay is also one of his trademarks.

His triumphant return after suffering severe injuries to both arms, driven by an indomitable spirit, moved the hearts of many music fans.

CountdownVictor Bailey

Countdown

The American prodigy Victor Bailey was chosen to succeed the legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius in the prestigious band Weather Report.

The formidable rhythm section he forged with drummer Omar Hakim infused the band with a fresh groove.

His true forte lies in melodious bass lines that sing as if they were vocals.

His original solos—dubbed “scat bass”—grip listeners’ hearts in an instant.

Transcending the bounds of jazz fusion with ease, his playing also brought vivid color to songs by pop stars like Madonna.

Once you experience his work, you’ll be captivated by the limitless possibilities of the bass guitar.

Tiger RagArt Tatum

Art Tatum — Tiger Rag

Art Tatum, the legendary jazz pianist who was almost completely blind, was a virtuoso artist born in 1909 in Ohio, USA.

Vladimir Horowitz, the towering classical piano master, was astounded when he heard Tatum play; the next day he brought conductor Arturo Toscanini to hear Tatum’s performance, and the two were said to be so amazed that they were left speechless, their mouths agape.

Those who heard his advanced technique reportedly thought two pianists were playing a duet.

Experience the astonishing power of his piano playing, underpinned by Tatum’s phenomenal technique, in Tiger Rag.

Pithecanthropus erectusCharles Mingus

Charles Mingus – Pithecanthropus erectus

This is the piece Pithecanthropus Erectus by the jazz bassist Charles Mingus from Arizona.

It’s a track with an exquisite balance of chaos and order.

He’s a god of the jazz bass, whose talent was recognized by illustrious jazz artists such as Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker.