A hamper has arrived from work. I am now richer by
I am happy to placate Santa Claws with mince pies if need be
I’m so organised this year, I don’t know what to do with myself
New coat, I’m not being eaten this year
I’m going to bed. Night night
Also, as a personal touch, there’s a local composer called Elliot Lamb whose work I love.
I’ve known them for twenty years - went to school with them - and will suggest them to anyone who’ll listen. El is a brilliant trombone player
For guitar, you’re definitely going to want Django Reinhardt. Totally unique technique, since he only really had one functional hand. If you ever see a photo of him, you’ll see it - the fingers on his left hand were so badly burned he couldn’t use most of them
Emily Remler is a personal favourite. Wes Montgomery. Gabor Szabo.
Piano…Art Tatum, Herbie Hancock and Dave Brubeck. PARTICULARLY for Brubeck, an album called Take Five. Duke Ellington was also personally a pianist, though he veers into big band sound more than the others I’ve named
Some questions first…
What have you tried that you’ve liked? Is there an instrument or sound you particularly want highlighted?
For example, if you’ve been enjoying jazz vocalists (Dinah Washington, I love you) then that’s quite different to sitting you down with the Miles Davis back catalog for maximum trumpet all the time. If you’re vibing with the classic Basie big band sound (1930s and early 40s) then I don’t want to send you looking 40 years later.
What’s your vibe so far?
Build me a robot to pour my cereal?
I have so many jazz recommendations for you
Oh, I’m sure I’ve forgotten something vital. I just can’t think of anything it might be