What resulted was a thrilling showcase for Metheny’s clear-toned, flowing virtuoso style which was defined by elliptical melodic filigrees, liquid improv and flights of untrammeled lyricism. Metheny was just 21 and teaching at Boston’s Berklee School of Music when ECM producer Manfred Eicher, who had heard him play with vibraphonist Gary Burton’s group, recorded the young guitarist with fretless bass maven Jaco Pastorius and drummer Bob Moses. Largely ignored and selling barely 1,000 copies on its release in January 1976, the Missouri guitar magus’ debut album gradually grew in stature and went on to be regarded as a post-bop jazz masterpiece. In the meantime, these jazz albums are essential for anyone looking to start a collection, or to go beyond classics they already know. Let us know in the comments section what you think we’ve missed out – and why.Ĭheck out some of the greatest jazz albums on vinyl here.
We’re sure you’ll have your own favorite albums.
