Want to explore the large and varied world of jazz but don't know where to start? Let acclaimed New York musician Cindy Bradley guide you with her choice of these five classic albums to begin you jazz record collection. <b><br/>Ella & Louis - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong (1956)</b> Ella Fitzgerald (vocalist) and Louis Armstrong (vocals and trumpet) were some of the earliest jazz pioneers I listened to. Louis is considered the grandfather of the jazz trumpet and often the first to be credited with first developing that playing style. Both Ella and Louis' voices are one of a kind and together they sing some of the most beautiful jazz standards that are a part of most jazz lovers' and players' repertoire and collections. <b>Miles Davis - Kind of Blue (1959)</b> This album is considered one of the best of all time. The band consists of major innovators - Miles Davis on trumpet, John Coltrane and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley on saxophones, Bill Evans (or, on "Freddie Freeloader," Wynton Kelly) on piano, Paul Chambers on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums. This recording explored and introduced modal jazz to us - more free of complex harmonies and resulting in music with the most incredible vibe that is loved by jazz enthusiasts and first time listeners. <b>The Best of Charlie Parker - The Millennium Collection (2004)</b> Parker, also known as "Bird" is always credited as playing the most influential role in the development of bebop. The music involves fast tempos, an emphasis on improvisation, and virtuosic playing. <b>Mister Magic - Grover Washington Jr. (1995)<br/></b> This album was an introduction to soul jazz and the title track was extremely popular. The fusion of R&B into jazz represented by Grover was the start to contemporary jazz. <b>Some Skunk Funk by Randy Brecker (2006)<br/></b> A great example of modern jazz arrangements that involve a big band. Germany's WDR big band backs up Randy (trumpet) and Michael Brecker (tenor sax). This album includes some of the Brecker Brother's greatest hits performed in a very modern way. <b>Cindy Bradley is performing as part of the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival at the Sub Stage on Tuesday February 21 from 9.30pm</b> .
