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

SpacesLarry Coryell

Spaces – Larry Coryell

Larry Coryell is renowned as a guitarist who, from early on, presented a style that “fused” jazz with other genres—jazz with rock, jazz with classical, and so on.

In the ’60s he formed The Free Spirits, a pioneering jazz-rock band, and released the album “Out Of Sight And Sound” in 1966—evidence of his remarkable foresight.

His 1970 solo album “Spaces” brings together a powerhouse lineup emblematic of true crossover: John McLaughlin and Billy Cobham from the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Chick Corea from Return to Forever, and Miroslav Vitouš from Weather Report.

The blistering exchanges of guitar playing over an unyielding rhythm section have an intensity few rock bands could ever match.

Beyond Coryell’s own superb performance, the album lets you fully revel in the extraordinary technique of every player involved—making it a truly lavish masterpiece of jazz-rock.

Where or WhenJohnny Smith

Johnny Smith-Where or When

Born in 1922, jazz guitarist Johnny Smith is a renowned musician best known for composing “Walk, Don’t Run,” the standard later covered and made a hit by The Ventures (known in Japanese as “Isogaba Maware”).

Especially throughout the 1950s, he earned respect from fellow musicians not only as a guitarist but also as a versatile musical figure who conducted and arranged for television and worked with orchestras.

Often cited as one of Smith’s signature works, “Moonlight in Vermont” (released in Japan as “Vermont no Tsuki”) was recorded in 1952.

It features distinguished saxophonists such as Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, and Paul Quinichette, and Smith’s refined, flowing playing—showcasing his unique chord forms and picking style—is nothing short of exquisite.

It’s never flashy, but it’s a record that lets you savor the essential appeal of moody, understated jazz guitar.

TimelessJohn Abercrombie

John Abercrombie – Timeless | ECM Records

John Abercrombie, one of the jazz guitarists who epitomize Europe’s prestigious ECM label.

Sadly, he passed away in 2017, but he remains a pioneering figure in modern jazz guitar, respected by countless musicians.

Keeping in mind that ECM is known for its distinctive, somewhat unconventional color within jazz—releasing many unique works closely tied to contemporary music and classical—I’d like to introduce Abercrombie’s landmark 1975 debut album, “Timeless.” Created in a trio format with composer/keyboardist and organist Jan Hammer and master jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette, the album unfolds a crossover sound characteristic of Abercrombie, who was fluent across genres, while also conveying a unique intelligence and serene, aesthetic refinement.

Compared with later works by these three exceptional musicians, the ensemble here leans more strongly toward rock, making it genuinely thrilling.

Even if you associate the ECM label with difficulty and high barriers to entry, this is a gem you should absolutely hear!

Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby (Sweet Tender, Love)Steve Khan

Steve Khan – Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby (Sweet Tender, Love) (1977)

Steve Khan has been at the forefront of the jazz-fusion scene for decades, launching his full-fledged musical career in the 1970s.

He has released numerous leader albums, been active as a sideman, received a Grammy nomination, and even put out a new work, Patchwork, in 2019.

The focus of this piece is his first album as a leader, Tightrope, released in 1977.

Produced by Bob James—renowned as a pianist, music producer, composer, and arranger in the realms of jazz fusion and adult contemporary—the album features saxophone contributions from Michael Brecker and David Sanborn, offering a refined fusion sound with just the right touch of funk.

Khan himself composed and arranged several tracks, showcasing talents that go well beyond guitar playing.

Steve Gadd’s tight drumming is another highlight.

Incidentally, the excellent cover of The O’Jays’ Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby was sampled by Japan’s acclaimed hip-hop unit BUDDHA BRAND for their classic track Funky Methodist.