All Killer No Filler: Essential Jazz Albums on Vinyl
The jazz albums that belong in every vinyl collection. Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and more defining records of the genre.
Not sure which setup is right for you?
Take Our QuizJazz and vinyl share a special relationship. The format's warmth complements acoustic instruments. The ritual of playing a record matches jazz's meditative qualities. These albums showcase why the genre thrives on vinyl.
Miles Davis - Kind of Blue (1959)
The most essential jazz album ever recorded. Modal jazz at its peak. Miles, Coltrane, Evans, Chambers, Cobb creating something timeless. Every note matters.
The 2015 mono reissue is exceptional. The stereo mix is also excellent. Original Columbia pressings are expensive and rarely better. This album sounds gorgeous on vinyl, warm without losing detail.
John Coltrane - A Love Supreme (1965)
Spiritual jazz masterpiece. Four movements across two sides, designed to be experienced as one journey. Coltrane's saxophone is transcendent, the rhythm section is hypnotic.
The 2016 reissue is definitive. Original Impulse! pressings are collectible but not necessary. This album demands careful listening, which vinyl encourages.
Dave Brubeck - Time Out (1959)
Take Five is just the beginning. The entire album experiments with unusual time signatures, creating jazz that's accessible and sophisticated. Paul Desmond's saxophone is smooth, Brubeck's piano is playful.
Original Columbia pressings sound good. Modern reissues are also excellent. This album showcases vinyl's ability to reproduce acoustic instruments naturally.
Bill Evans - Sunday at the Village Vanguard (1961)
Live recording that captures the intimacy of the venue. Evans' piano is close, Scott LaFaro's bass is present, Paul Motian's drums are subtle. You can hear the room.
Music Matters reissues are exceptional. Original Riverside pressings are expensive. This album sounds better on vinyl than digital, the warmth suiting the intimate performance.
Thelonious Monk - Brilliant Corners (1957)
Monk's compositions are angular, unpredictable, brilliant. Sonny Rollins' saxophone matches Monk's piano perfectly. The music challenges and rewards.
Craft Recordings' Tone Poet series offers exceptional sound quality at reasonable prices. Original Riverside pressings are collectible. Either delivers Monk's genius.
Charles Mingus - Mingus Ah Um (1959)
Bass-driven jazz that swings hard. Better Git It in Your Soul opens with energy that doesn't quit. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat is heartbreaking. The album showcases Mingus' compositional genius.
Original Columbia pressings are good. The Music Matters reissue is superb. This album's bass benefits from vinyl's low-end warmth.
Chet Baker - Chet Baker Sings (1954)
Intimate vocal jazz. Baker's trumpet and voice are vulnerable, accompanied by sparse piano, bass, drums. Music for late nights and quiet moments.
Original Pacific Jazz pressings are expensive. Quality reissues capture the intimacy. Vinyl's warmth suits this album perfectly.
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Moanin' (1958)
Hard bop at its finest. The title track is an anthem. Lee Morgan's trumpet blazes, Benny Golson's saxophone soars, Blakey's drums drive everything forward.
Blue Note Tone Poet reissues are exceptional. Original pressings command high prices. The energy of this album translates beautifully to vinyl.
Sonny Rollins - Saxophone Colossus (1956)
Rollins at his peak. St. Thomas is infectious, Blue 7 showcases his improvisational brilliance. The trio of Rollins, Tommy Flanagan, and Max Roach is perfect.
Original Prestige pressings are collectible. Analogue Productions reissues are superb. This album demonstrates vinyl's ability to capture saxophone's texture.
Herbie Hancock - Head Hunters (1973)
Jazz-funk fusion that sounds massive on vinyl. Chameleon's bassline is legendary. The album grooves hard, blending acoustic and electronic instruments perfectly.
Original Columbia pressings sound good. The 2013 reissue is also excellent. The bass on this album benefits from vinyl's warmth and weight.
Cannonball Adderley - Somethin' Else (1958)
Miles Davis on trumpet, Adderley on alto sax, Hank Jones on piano. Autumn Leaves and Love for Sale are perfect. The chemistry is audible.
Blue Note Tone Poet reissue is definitive. Original pressings are expensive. This album's intimacy suits vinyl perfectly.
Wes Montgomery - The Incredible Jazz Guitar (1960)
Guitar jazz perfection. Montgomery's thumb technique creates warm, round tones. The trio format lets his guitar shine without clutter.
Original Riverside pressings are collectible. Quality reissues capture his tone beautifully. Vinyl reproduces acoustic guitar naturally.
Ella Fitzgerald - Sings the Cole Porter Songbook (1956)
Vocal jazz at its finest. Ella's voice is perfect, the orchestration is lush, the song choices are impeccable. Two volumes, both essential.
Original Verve pressings sound good. Modern reissues are also excellent. Ella's voice sounds gorgeous on vinyl.
These albums represent jazz's diversity, all benefiting from vinyl's characteristics, all worth repeated listening. They reward good equipment and patient ears.
Find Your Perfect Setup
Answer a few quick questions and get personalised recommendations.
Start the QuizFrequently Asked Questions
What is the most essential jazz album on vinyl?
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis (1959) is universally regarded as essential. The 2015 mono reissue is exceptional. This album showcases modal jazz at its finest and remains endlessly listenable.
Are Blue Note pressings worth the money?
Original Blue Note pressings from the 1950s-60s command high prices and deliver exceptional sound quality. However, the Music Matters and Tone Poet reissue series offer near-equal quality at fraction of the cost. For most collectors, these reissues are the smart choice.
Related Guides
Ready to find your perfect setup?
Our quiz matches you with the right turntable, speakers, and accessories.
Take the Quiz - It's FreeNo email required