Dave Brubeck - "Instant Brubeck" (1954)

If you ever find yourself around the Quartier Latin in Montreal be sure to check out Beatnick Music. This cavern like record store offers a great selection of music that's spaciously organized for easy browsing. The owners are always aquiring new records and will point you in the right direction if you're up for a conversation. I came across this Dave Brubeck album, took a chance based on the cover art and discovered it works perfectly for the music inside. Too bad the re-release of this record uses a different cover and changes the title to Brubeck Time. But the music remains the same offering the sunnyside up jazz that Brubeck's Quartet is known for. This is the first studio outing for the band and it showcases Brubeck's unique compositional style and his equally important saxophonist, Paul Desmond. -- Chris Baginski

1. "Audrey" 3:33
2. "Jeepers Creepers" 4:56
3. "Pennies From Heaven" 6:27
4. "Why Do I Love You" 5:41
5. "Stompin' For Mili" 5:26
6. "Keppin' Out Of Mischief Now" 5:05
7. "A Fine Romance" 3:48
8. "Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?" 5:17

Miles Davis - "Bags' Groove" (1954)

Ok I may be alittle biased towards this album but even the pros admit it's a cornerstone of post bop jazz. Recorded on Christmas Eve in 1954, most of the tracks laid down that winter night went on to become jazz standards. And while Miles Davis receives top billing, most tracks are compositions by the other members of this session. The title track is the creation of Milt 'Bags' Johnson, while tracks 3, 4, and 6 are all originals by the young Sonny Rollins. Never hurts having Thelonious Monk on piano too. -- Chris Baginski

1. "Bags' Groove" (take 1) 11:12
2. "Bags' Groove" (take 2) 9:20
3. "Airegin" 4:57
4. "Oleo" 5:10
5. "But Not for Me" (take 2) 4:34
6. "Doxy" 4:51
7. "But Not for Me" (take 1) 5:42