[Western Music] Classic jazz guitar albums: recommended records you should listen to at least once
If you’re not particularly familiar with the jazz genre, you probably picture instruments like piano, saxophone, or brass such as the trumpet.
In the history of jazz, the guitar’s role was primarily as a rhythm instrument rather than a leading voice.
That image gradually changed with the emergence of prewar greats like Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian, and from the 1950s onward, geniuses like Wes Montgomery reshaped the scene.
This time, we’re highlighting classic masterpieces in the history of Western jazz guitar—timeless albums that remain outstanding across eras.
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[Western Music] Essential Jazz Guitar Masterpieces: Must-Listen Albums (1–10)
East Coast Love AffairKurt Rosenwinkel
Kurt Rosenwinkel, a defining figure of the jazz guitar scene since the 1990s, is not only a player who carries classic bebop into the present, but also one of the top guitarists who skillfully incorporates influences from other genres—such as on his album Heartcore, which he released with rapper Q-Tip as producer.
The album introduced here, East Coast Love Affair, is his first leader album, released in 1996, and was recorded live at a jazz club in New York’s Greenwich Village, where he was based.
In addition to standards, it includes original compositions of his that have since become live staples, revealing how early he showed his talent as a composer.
Its calm yet deeply emotional sound is the kind you’ll want to listen to at night.
Fellow contemporary luminaries join him as well: top bassist Avishai Cohen, and drummer Jorge Rossy—renowned for his trio work with Brad Mehldau—players of Kurt’s own generation.
It’s a can’t-miss opportunity to enjoy the youthful performances of what is now an exceptionally star-studded lineup!
ExtrapolationJohn McLaughlin
Here is an album released in 1969 by the British guitarist John McLaughlin.
Regarded as a classic of jazz-rock, this album must have felt quite innovative for its time.
McLaughlin was well-versed not only in jazz but also in classical music, Indian music, and more.
His music blends elements of free jazz, rock, funk, and other styles, making it likely to appeal to listeners across many genres.
When Will The Blues Leave?Gilad Hekselman
When it comes to leading figures among contemporary jazz guitarists, the name Gilad Hekselman is sure to come up.
He is from Israel and moved to New York on a scholarship while he was a university student.
This is his debut leader album, released in 2006.
You can fully enjoy a contemporary sound with a superb lineup featuring Joe Martin on bass and Ari Hoenig on drums.
The track selection ranges widely from originals to standard songs.
[Western Music] Classic jazz guitar albums: Recommended records you should hear at least once (11–20)
Metal FatigueAllan Holdsworth
Allan Holdsworth was a guitarist who adopted a particularly distinctive playing style.
He originally aspired to be a saxophonist.
However, since he couldn’t afford a saxophone as a child, he bought a guitar instead.
Still unable to let go of his initial dream, he began approaching the guitar with the mindset of playing it like a saxophone.
As a result, he developed a truly one-of-a-kind playing style.
Among the albums he released, 1985’s “Metal Fatigue” is especially acclaimed—some even call it one of the best albums of the ’80s.
Be sure to listen to the melodies born from his singular style.
C’est si bonBiréli Lagrène
One of France’s most renowned guitarists is Biréli Lagrène.
He began learning to improvise on the guitar at age five and released his first album when he was fourteen.
He draws on the techniques of Django Reinhardt, the legendary guitarist who made his mark on music history, and is even said to be his successor.
Among his albums, the one I especially recommend is “Standards,” which also includes arrangements of Django’s pieces.
Isn’t It RomanticTal Farlow
Tal Farlow, known for his wonderful drive.
This is the album he released in 1956.
It bears his name, and its content is quintessentially him.
The song in the video is a well-known jazz standard at a medium tempo, and you can enjoy his uniquely expressive phrasing at a slower tempo as well as his signature fast picking when it shifts to double time.
The ensemble is drums-less—piano, bass, and guitar—but Tal’s guitar comping creates an effect reminiscent of a drummer’s brushes.
Satin DollBarney Kessel
This is the debut album by the unit formed by Barney Kessel, Ray Brown, and Shelly Manne, who each topped the readers’ polls in three magazines in 1956.
It’s interesting that a readers’ poll sparked the collaboration, and their ensemble playing is perfectly in sync, delivering superb performances.
Barney Kessel, a pioneer of a soloing style that employs chords rather than just single notes, influenced many later guitarists.
While his approach is bluesy, he was active mainly on the West Coast and is known for a light, West Coast-style guitar sound.