Comments on: Favorite Blue Notes, One More Time

By: Steve - AKA - Manc in Yorkshire

Steve - AKA - Manc in Yorkshire — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:13:59 +0000

This is a very difficult but fun exercise – a personal top ten of Blue Note albums!

I’ll give it a go but in no order:

Blue Trane – JC
Somethin’ Else – Cannonball/Miles
Shades of Redd – Sonny Redd
Flight to Jordan – Duke Jordan
Roll Call – Hank Mobley
True Blue – Tina Brooks
Byrd in Flight – Byrd
Gettin’ Around – Dexter Gordon
Sonny’s Crib – Sonny Clarke
Blue Hour – Stanley T with The Three Sounds
Blowin the Blues Away – H Silver Quintet
The Amazing Thad Jones – Thad Jones
Feelin’ the Spirit – Grant Green

OK, that’s a dozen – it’s just too difficult to define so few from such a monumental catalogue, but I think this list stands up to scrutiny, other than there’s no piano trios or vibes present (other than Bobby H on Gettin around by Dex) and also no Messengers, but for me, Roll Call kinda fills that void, somewhat.

By: Anders Wallinder

Anders Wallinder — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:46:02 +0000

Al, correct I was pointing my finger towards AI here. But of course as you said AI can dig in old info that you have written (and forgot about) to compile some perhaps useful info. AI does not, and cannot, have have a personal opinion and/or favourites it’s own – as all of you know.

A question like this is highly personal and for instance Gregory’s very thoughtful and curated list above reflects his personal taste and preference. I myself would not have picked any of these to be near my top 10. I own and tried “Out to lunch” several times and it just does not do anything good for me. But I know that many many just loves it and calls it essential.

PS. Forgot to mention “Blue Train” in my previous post…dang!

By: Gregory the fish

Gregory the fish — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:03:51 +0000

Since you asked, in no real order:

Grachan Moncur III – “Some Other Stuff”
Eric Dolphy – “Out to Lunch”
Larry Young – “Of Love and Peace”
Wayne Shorter – “Juju”
Lee Morgan – “Live at the Lighthouse”
Duke Pearson – “The Phantom”
Andrew Hill – “Point of Departure”
Bobby Hutcherson – “Total Eclipse”
Don Cherry – “Symphony For Improvisers”
Cecil Taylor – “Conquistador”

There are plenty I haven’t heard, but those are the tops for now!

By: Al

Al — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:18:24 +0000

Robert — yes, I get what you’re saying, and if this little diversion had any real meaning, that would be something else. But it’s just a bunch of us fans having some fun and, what I like about it is that I get to hear other opinions and perhaps try on some records that I haven’t listened to in a while. Such as Anders mentioning City Lights by Lee Morgan. I never had that record when I was building my collection and, when I finally got a copy, I maybe listened to it once, or maybe not at all. So, in addition to having fun playing, doing this little diversion has some other value, at least it does to me. Not to mention Roberto Clemente. And what to do about Barry Bonds?

By: Al

Al — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:13:05 +0000

Anders — When you look at AI, as in artificial intelligence, it looks like Al, as in my name. 🙂 I assume you were saying artificial intelligence is really bad at this, instead of me being really bad at this, although that could be accurate as well.

By: Anders Wallinder

Anders Wallinder — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:21:31 +0000

Calls for a vote maybe? AI is really bad at these things IMO.

I would at least include True Blue, Undercurrent, City Lights, AfroCuban, Song for My father, Speak No Evil etc. Mobley ST 10″

By: Robert Orenstein

Robert Orenstein — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:17:27 +0000

Great to have you back with the forum. As to the “greatest” outfielders of all-time, all must agree that Mantle, Mays, Aaron,and Ted Williams would be on the list. As someone who has lived and loved the music for over 65 years the omission of Mobley, Morgan, Bud, Rollins, True Blue, and even Davis Cup , is incomprehensible. Universal truths do exist and one shouldn’t demean the Blue Note list with the exclusion of so many iconic albums and artists.

By: Al

Al — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:07:11 +0000

Yes, GTF, but what are they?

By: Gregory the fish

Gregory the fish — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:12:41 +0000

My favorite Blue Notes are probably all not on your list, Al, as we have slightly different taste focuses, but as far as taking them out and playing them… it’s a risk, but you’re a careful guy. I believe in you!