[Western Music] Classic jazz guitar albums: recommended records you should listen to at least once

Idle MomentsGrant Green

Idle Moments (Rudy Van Gelder Edition / Remastered 1999)

When it comes to guitarists whose popularity was revived through the jazz-funk and rare groove trends that took off in the 1980s, Grant Green surely comes to mind.

This is one of his signature albums.

While the lineup is typical for a guitarist’s record, the members aren’t purely on the funky side: with Joe Henderson on tenor sax, Bobby Hutcherson on vibraphone, and Duke Pearson on piano, the album takes on a somewhat shadowy, contemplative sound.

In a Sentimental MoodEmily Remler

Firefly (Emily Remler) | 08 – In a Sentimental Mood (Duke Ellington)

When it comes to female guitarists who made their mark in the 1980s, Emily Remler comes to mind.

She began her career as a guitarist in the heart of jazz, at clubs in New Orleans.

What propelled her to worldwide fame was her debut album, Firefly.

With a simple lineup—just piano, double bass, and drums—it delivers a superb finish that clearly showcases Emily Remler’s appeal.

Jeep On 35John Scofield

Jeep On 35

The contrast between the monochrome jacket and the vividly colored title and artist logo is striking.

After graduating from Berklee College of Music and starting his career as a professional guitarist, John Scofield—aka “John Sco,” who has played in bands and sessions with major figures in the jazz world and remains a top-tier, fully active player even in the 2020s—released the album A Go Go in 1998.

Featuring Medeski, Martin & Wood, who at the time were a cutting-edge jazz-funk band with a sharp sound, this work also helped spark the later jam-band boom.

Scofield composed all the tracks, delivering groovy jazz-funk that makes free use of effects, showcasing brisk, funky comping worthy of a funk-oriented guitarist—very much his signature—and reminding us once again of his genre-transcending prowess as a player.

The members of Medeski, Martin & Wood also present their individuality without disrupting Scofield’s sonic world.

Rather than sticking to tightly structured arrangements, the album centers on improvisation, letting each musician’s sensibility shine.

The exquisite groove forged by these different generations feels fresh and cool every time you listen.

Stairway to HeavenStanley Jordan

Stairway to Heaven Stanley Jordan

Do you know Stanley Jordan? Even if you don’t, once you see him perform, you won’t forget him.

The first thing you’ll notice about his playing is that he holds the guitar in an unfamiliar way.

In fact, he’s a master of the technique where he taps the fingerboard with both hands.

To fully enjoy the melodies he creates, I recommend the album “Stolen Moments.” It only has seven tracks, but each one is exceptionally compelling.

Mediterranean SundanceAl Di Meola

Mediterranean Sundance – Al Di Meola

Hailing from New Jersey in the United States, Italian-American guitarist Al Di Meola is renowned worldwide for his exceptional technique and his style that fuses not only jazz but also Latin, tango, and flamenco.

In 1974, he joined Return to Forever, led by the legendary Chick Corea; two years later he left the group, and as a solo artist cemented his name on the scene with a milestone release: the 1977 album Elegant Gypsy.

Five of the six tracks—everything but one—were composed by Di Meola, and the album features a host of jazz greats, making it a true classic among classics.

From the thrilling, dramatic band ensemble of Flight Over Rio, to Mediterranean Sundance, a collaboration with Spain’s famed flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía, and the virtuosic guitar solos showcased on Race with Devil on Spanish Highway, which blends hard rock and jazz—every track is a highlight.

By literally “fusing” jazz, hard rock, and world music, this album is one that music fans of all genres should check out.

DjangoCharlie Byrd

Charlie Byrd – Django

Just as there’s a genre called jazz, there’s also one called classical, right? The two are completely different in flavor.

However, there was someone who combined them to create a new sound: Charlie Byrd.

His music is characterized by an air of elegance.

I think it’s easiest to immerse yourself in his world by starting with the 1960 album The Guitar Artistry of Charlie Byrd.

This MasqueradeGeorge Benson

George Benson – This Masquerade

George Benson is an artist who transcends the bounds of “jazz guitarist” and is highly acclaimed as a vocalist as well.

Influenced by jazz guitar legends like Wes Montgomery and Charlie Christian, Benson began with early soul jazz and then shifted into a fusion style, releasing the landmark album Breezin’ in 1976, which achieved major success.

Its sophisticated sound—often called “smooth jazz”—is pleasing to any listener, and the title track, written by Bobby Womack and evoking a refreshing summer scene, remains beloved today as a standard.

Vocal numbers such as the Grammy-winning cover of Leon Russell’s This Masquerade also showcase Benson’s gifts as a singer to brilliant effect.

Starting with this album is a great way to get into Benson’s music, and from there you can reach for works that offer an even deeper experience of jazz guitar.