Jazz (1920–30s)

Henry "Red" Allen (1908–67)

Henry "Red" Allen and His New York Orchestra: Volume 2 [1929–30, JSP], A–
w/Coleman Hawkins: 1933 [1933, Hep], A–
The Henry Allen Collection, Vol. 1 [1932, Collector's Classics], A
The Henry Allen Collection, Vol. 2 [1932–35, Collector's Classics], A–
The Henry Allen Collection, Vol. 3 [1935–36, Collector's Classics], A–
The Henry Allen Collection, Vol. 6 [1941–46, Collector's Classics], B+
Standards and Warhorses [1957, Jass], B+
World on a String [1957, RCA], A

Albert Ammons (1907–49)

Master of Boogie [1938–39, Milan], A–
Alternate Takes, Radio Performances, Unissued Home Recordings: 1936–1946 [1936–46, Document], B+

Louis Armstrong (1901–71)

w/King Oliver: Creole Jazz [1923, Tradition], B+
Louis Armstrong / King Oliver [1923–24, Milestone], A–
Vol. I: The Hot Fives [1926–27, Columbia], A
Vol. II: The Hot Fives and Hot Sevens [1927–28, Columbia], A
Vol. III: The Hot Fives and Hot Sevens [1927–28, Columbia], A
Vol. IV: Louis Armstrong and Earl Hines [1928, Columbia], A+
Hot Fives and Hot Sevens [1926–28, JSP], A+
Jazz Moods: Hot [1926–29, Columbia/Legacy], A
Vol. 5: Louis in New York [1929, Columbia], A
Vol. 6: St. Louis Blues [1929–30, Columbia], A
The Complete Recordings of Louis Armstrong and the Blues Singers [1924–30, Affinity, 6 CD], B+
Vol. 7: You're Driving Me Crazy [1930–31, Columbia], A
1928–1931 [1928–31, Hermes], A–
Laughin' Louie [1932–33, RCA], A–
Portait of the Artist as a Young Man [1923–34, Columbia, 4 CD], A+
Pops: 1940's Small Band Sides [1946–47, RCA], A–
Satchmo at Symphony Hall [1947, Decca], B+
Live in Zurich, Switzerland 18.10.1949 [1949, TCB], B+(***)
Louis Armstrong of New Orleans [1926–50, Decca], B+
Louis Armstrong Plays W.C. Handy [1954, Columbia/Legacy], A
Satch Plays Fats [1955, Columbia/Legacy], A–
The California Concerts [1951–55, Decca, 4 CD], A+
The Great Chicago Concert 1956 [1956, Columbia, 2 CD], A–
The Complete RCA Victor Recordings [1930–56, RCA, 4 CD], A–
Satchmo: A Musical Autobiography: Vol. 1 [1947–57, Jazz Unlimited], A
Satchmo: A Musical Autobiography: Vol. 2 [1951–57, Jazz Unlimited], A–
Satchmo: A Musical Autobiography: Vol. 3 [1955–57, Jazz Unlimited], A–
Highlights from His Decca Years [1924–57, Decca, 2 CD], A–
Satchmo the Great [1955–57, Columbia], B+
Live at the 1958 Monterey Jazz Festival [1958, Monterey Jazz Festival], B+(**)
w/Duke Ellington: The Complete Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington Sessions [1961, Roulette], A
Hello, Dolly! [1964, MCA], B+
Now You Has Jazz: Louis Armstrong at M-G-M [1942–65, Rhino], B+(***)
The Essential Louis Armstrong [1957–66, Verve], B–
16 Most Requested Songs [1954–66, Columbia], A+
Ken Burns Jazz: The Definitive Louis Armstrong [1923–67, Columbia/Legacy], A–
The Essential Louis Armstrong [1925–67, Columbia/Legacy, 2 CD], A
An American Icon [1946–68, Hip-O, 3 CD], A–

Buster Bailey (1902–67)

An Introduction to Buster Bailey: His Best Recordings 1924–1942 [1924–42, Best of Jazz], B+

Charlie Barnet (1913–91)

Drop Me Off in Harlem [1942–46, MCA], B+

Count Basie (1904–84)

The Complete Decca Recordings [1937–39, MCA, 3 CD], A
The Essential Count Basie, Vol. 1 [1936–39, Columbia], A
The Essential Count Basie, Vol. 2 [1939–40, Columbia], A
The Essential Count Basie, Vol. 3 [1940–41, Columbia], A–
One O'Clock Jump: The Very Best of Count Basie [1936–42, Columbia/Legacy], A
Kansas City Powerhouse (Bluebird's Best) [1929–49, Bluebird], B+
America's #1 Band: The Columbia Years [1936–50, Columbia/Legacy, 4 CD], A
Class of '54 [1954, Black Lion], B
w/Joe Williams: Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings [1955, Verve], B+
April in Paris [1956, Verve], B+
Count Basie at Newport [1957, Verve], B+
Ken Burns Jazz: The Definitive Count Basie [1932–57, Verve], A
The Complete Atomic Basie [1957–58, Roulette], A–
The Count Basie Story [1957–60, Roulette, 2 CD], B+
Basie at Birdland [1961, Roulette Jazz], A–
Count Basie and the Kansas City 7, B+
100th Birthday Bash [1957–62, Roulette, 2 CD], B
Jazz Masters 2 [1952–63, Verve], B+
The Best of Count Basie Big Band [1975–83, Pablo], B

Sidney Bechet (1897–1959)

The Legendary Sidney Bechet [1932–41, RCA], A
The Victor Sessions: Master Takes [1932–43, RCA, 3 CD], A
w/Mezz Mezzrow: The King Jazz Story, Vol. 1: Blood on the Moon [1945, King Jazz], A–
w/Mezz Mezzrow: The King Jazz Story, Vol. 2: Gone Away Blues [1945–46, King Jazz], B+
Ken Burns Jazz: The Definitive Sidney Bechet [1923–47, Columbia/Legacy], B+
The Best of Sidney Bechet [1939–53, Blue Note], A–

Bix Beiderbecke (1903–31)

Bix Beiderbecke and the Chicago Cornets [1924–25, Milestone], B+
Volume 1: Singin' the Blues [1927, Columbia], A–
Young Man With a Golden Horn: 1924–1930 [1924–30, Jazz Legends], A–

Bunny Berigan (1908–42)

The Pied Piper [1934–40, RCA], B+

Chu Berry (1910–41)

Chu Berry 1937–1941 [1937–41, Classics], A–
w/Lucky Thompson: Giants of the Tenor Sax [1938–44, Commodore], B+

Eubie Blake (1883–1983)

Memories of You [1915–73, Biograph], B+(***)

Jimmy Blythe (1901–31)

Messin' Around Blues [1920, Dlemark], B+(***)

Benny Carter (1907–2003)

Devil's Holiday [1934, JSP], B+
The Complete Recordings, 1930–40, Vol. 1 [1930–37, Affinity, 3 CD], B+
Benny Carter 1940–1941 [1940–41, Classics], B+
w/Arnold Ross: The Complete Benny Carter: The Essential Keynote Collection 7 [1946, Mercury], A
The Music Master [1931–52, Proper Box, 4 CD], A–
3, 4, 5: The Verve Small Group Sessions [1952–54, Verve], A–
Cosmopolite: The Oscar Peterson Sessions [1952–54, Verve], A
New Jazz Sounds: The Urbane Sessions [1952–55, Verve, 2 CD], B+
Jazz Giant [1957–58, Contemporary OJC], A–
Aspects [1958, Capitol], B–
All of Me [1934–59, RCA], A–
Sax a la Carter [1960, Capitol], A–
Further Definitions [1961, Impulse], A
Further Definitions: The Complete Further Definitions Sessions [1961–66, Impulse], A
The King [1976, Pablo OJC], A–
Wonderland [1976, Pablo OJC], A–
A Gentleman and His Music [1985, Concord], B+
w/Oscar Peterson: Meets Oscar Peterson [1986, Pablo OJC], B+
In the Mood for Swing [1987, Musicmasters], B
Central City Sketches [1987, Musicmasters], B+
Over the Rainbow [1988, MHS], B+
Harlem Renaissance [1992, Musicmasters, 2 CD], A–
Elegy in Blue [1994, Musicmasters], A–
Songbook [1996, MusicMasters], B+

Oscar "Papa" Celestin (1884–1953)

w/Sam Morgan: Papa Celestin and Sam Morgan [1925–28, Azure], A–
w/Sam Morgan: Oscar "Papa" Celestin / Sam Morgan [1925–28, Jazz Oracle], A–

Doc Cheatham (1905–97)

The Fabulous Doc Cheatham [1983, Parkwood], B
The Eighty-Seven Years of Doc Cheatham [1993, Columbia], B+
w/Nicholas Payton: Doc Cheatham and Nicholas Payton [1996, Verve], A–

Charlie Christian (1916–42)

Genius of the Electric Guitar [1939–41, Columbia], A–
Solo Flight [1939–41, P&C Jazz Classics, 2 CD], A–

Eddie Condon (1905–73)

Chicago Style [1927–40, ASV], B+
Ballin the Jack [1939–42, Commodore], A–
Dixieland Jam [1957, Columbia], A–
w/Wild Bill Davison, Ken Davern, Dick Wellstood, Gene Krupa: Jazz at the New School [1972, Chiaroscuro], B+(*)

The Coon-Sanders Nighthawks

The Coon-Sanders Nighthawks, Vol. 3 [1928–29, Old Masters], B+

Bob Crosby (1913–93)

South Rampart Street Parade [1936–42, Decca], B+
Great Original Performances 1937–1938 [1937–38, Jazz Classics in Digital Stereo], B+

Baby Dodds (1898–1959)

Talking and Drum Solos [1946–54, Atavistic], B

Johnny Dodds (1892–1940)

Blue Clarinet Stomp [1926–29, RCA], A–
South-Side Chicago Jazz [1927–29, Decca], B+

Tommy Dorsey (1905–56)

The Early Jazz Sides: 1932–1937 [1932–37, Jazz Legends], B+
The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing: Centennial Collection [1925–56, Bluebird/Legacy, 3 CD], A–

Roy Eldridge (1911–88)

Little Jazz [1935–40, Columbia], A
w/Gene Krupa, Anita O'Day: Uptown [1941–42, Columbia], B+
After You've Gone [1936–46, Decca], A–
w/Charlie Shavers, Emmett Berry, Jonah Jones, Buck Clayton, Joe Thomas: Roy Eldridge and the Swing Trumpets: The Essential Keynote Collection 4 [1944–46, Mercury, 2 CD], A–
Roy Eldridge in Paris [1950, RCA/Disques Vogue], B+
w/Dizzy Gillespie: Roy and Diz [1954, Verve], B+
Swingin' on the Town [1960, Verve], A–
Little Jazz: The Best of the Verve Years [1951–60, Verve], A
The Nifty Cat [1970, New World], A–

Duke Ellington (1899–1974)

The Bubber Miley Era: 1924–1929 [1924–29, Jazz Legends], A+
Volume 1, 1926–1929: Mrs Clinkscales to the Cotton Club [1924–29, JSP, 4 CD], A–
The Okeh Ellington [1927–30, Columbia, 2 CD], A–
Early Ellington [1926–31, Decca, 3 CD], A+
Early Ellington [1927–34, RCA], A+
Jubilee Stomp [1928–34, RCA], A–
Braggin' in Brass: The Immortal 1938 Year [1938, Portrait, 2 CD], B+
The Duke's Men: Small Groups, Vol. 1 [1934–38, Columbia, 2 CD], A–
The Duke's Men: Small Groups, Vol. 2 [1938–39, Columbia, 2 CD], A–
In a Mellotone [1940, RCA], A–
Fargo, North Dakota, November 7, 1940 [1940, Vintage Jazz Classics, 2 CD], A
The Great Ellington Units [1940–41, RCA], A
Take the "A" Train [1941, Vintage Jazz Classics], B
The Blanton-Webster Band [1939–42, RCA 74321, 3 CD], A
Never No Lament: The Blanton-Webster Band [1940–42, Bluebird, 3 CD], A+
The Duke Ellington Carnegie Hall Concerts January 1943 [1943, Prestige, 2 CD], B
The Indispensible Duke Ellington and the Small Groups, Vol. 9/10 [1940–46, RCA, 2 CD], A
Sophisticated Lady [1940–46, RCA], A–
Black, Brown and Beige [1944–46, RCA, 3 CD], A–
Live in Zurich, Switzerland 2.5.1950 [1950, TCB], B+(***)
Masterpieces by Ellington [1950–51, Columbia/Legacy], A–
Uptown [1951–52, Columbia], B+
Ellington Uptown [1947–52, Columbia/Legacy], A
The 1952 Seattle Concert [1952, Bluebird], B
Duke Ellington 1937 [1937, Classics], B+
Duke Ellington 1937, Vol. 2 [1937, Classics], A–
Piano Reflections [1953, Capitol], B+
The Complete Capitol Recordings of Duke Ellington [1953–55, Mosaic, 5 CD], B+
Such Sweet Thunder [1955–56, Columbia], A–
Ellington at Newport [1956, Columbia], A+
Ellington at Newport 1956 (Complete) [1956, Columbia/Legacy, 2 CD], A
Ellington Indigos [1957, Columbia], B–
Live at the 1957 Stratford Festival [1957, Music & Arts], B
Live at Newport 1958 [1958, Columbia, 2 CD], B+
w/Mahalia Jackson: Black, Brown and Beige [1958, Columbia], B–
w/Johnny Hodges: Back to Back [1958, Verve], A
Blues in Orbit [1958–59, Columbia], A
Jazz Party [1959, Columbia], A–
Anatomy of a Murder [1959, Rykodisc], A–
w/Johnny Hodges: Side by Side [1958–59, Verve], A
Festival Session [1959, Columbia/Legacy], A–
Unknown Session [1960, Columbia], B
Reminiscing in Tempo [1928–60, Columbia], A–
16 Most Requested Songs [1932–60, Columbia], B+
Ken Burns Jazz: The Definitive Duke Ellington [1927–60, Columbia/Legacy], A–
The Essential Duke Ellington [1927–60, Columbia/Legacy, 2 CD], A–
Piano in the Foreground [1957–61, Columbia/Legacy], B+
Piano in the Background [1960–61, Columbia/Legacy], B+
w/Charles Mingus, Max Roach: Money Jungle [1962, Blue Note], A
w/Coleman Hawkins: Duke Ellington Meets Coleman Hawkins [1962, Impulse], A+
w/John Coltrane: Duke Ellington and John Coltrane [1962, Impulse], A–
Recollections of the Big Band Era [1962–63, Atlantic], A–
The Far East Suite: Special Mix [1966, RCA], A+
Duke Ellington's Far East Suite [1966, Bluebird], A+
His Mother Called Him Bill [1967, RCA], A
The Jaywalker [1966–67, Storyville], B+
Beyond Category [1927–67, RCA, 2 CD], A
The Intimacy of the Blues [1967–70, Fantasy OJC], B+
Latin American Suite [1967–70, Fantasy OJC], A
New Orleans Suite [1970, Atlantic], B+
The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse [1971, Fantasy OJC], B
The Private Collection Vol. 1: Studio Sessions in Chicago [1956, SAJA], A–
The Private Collection Vol. 3: Studio Sessions in New York [1962, SAJA], B+
The Private Collection Vol. 4: Studio Sessions New York 1963 [1963, SAJA], B+
The Private Collection Vol. 5: The Suites, New York, 1968 and 1970 [1968–70, SAJA], A–
The Private Collection Vol. 9: Studio Sessions New York 1968 [1968, SAJA], B+
Live at the Whitney [1972, Impulse], B–
Highlights from the Duke Ellington Centennial Edition (1927–1973) [1927–73, RCA, 3 CD], B+

Bud Freeman (1906–91)

Bud Freeman 1928–1938 [1928–38, Classics], B+
Chicago / Austin High School Jazz in Hi-Fi [1957, Mosaic], A–
The Bud Freeman All-Star Swing Sessions [1935–62, Prestige], B+
w/Keith Ingham: Superbud [1974–92, Jazzology], B+(*)

Benny Goodman (1909–86)

B.G. and Big Tea in NYC [1929–34, Decca], A–
The Birth of Swing [1935–36, RCA, 3 CD], B+
After You've Gone [1935–37, RCA], A–
The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert [1938, Columbia/Legacy, 2 CD], A–
Sing, Sing, Sing [1935–38, RCA], B+
Avalon [1937–39, RCA], B+
The Small Groups [1935–42, ASV], B
The Benny Goodman Sextet Featuring Charlie Christian [1939–41, Columbia], B+
w/Sid Catlett: Roll 'Em! [1941, Vintage Jazz Classics], B+
The Essential Benny Goodman [1934–46, Columbia/Bluebird/Legacy, 2 CD], A–
Undercurrent Blues [1947–49, Capitol], B+
The Complete Capitol Trios [1947–54, Blue Note], A–
B.G. in Hi-Fi [1954, Capitol], A
Ken Burns Jazz [1927–58, Columbia/Legacy], A–

Stéphane Grappelli (1908–97)

w/Baden Powell: La Grande Réunion [1974, Musidisc], B–
1992 Live [1992, Birdology], B+
Jazz Masters 11: Stéphane Grappelli [1966–92, Verve], B
w/Martin Taylor: Réunion [1993, Linn], B

Edmond Hall (1901–67)

Edmund Hall 1937–1944 [1937–44, Classics], A–
Profoundly Blue [1941–44, Blue Note], B+
In Copenhagen [1966, Storyville], A–

Lionel Hampton (1909–2002)

Hot Mallets Vol. 1 [1937–39, RCA Bluebird], A
Tempo and Swing Vol. 3 [1939–40, RCA Bluebird], A–
Founder of the Jazz Vibes: 1930–1944 [1930–44, Jazz Legends], A–
Flying Home [1942–45, Decca], A
Mustermesse Basel 1953 Part 2 [1953, TCB], B+(*)
w/Oscar Peterson: The Complete Lionel Hampton Quartets and Quintets With Oscar Peterson [1953–54, Verve, 5 CD], B
w/Stan Getz: Hamp and Getz [1955, Verve], A–
Hamp: The Legendary Decca Recordings [1942–63, Decca, 2 CD], B+

Harlem Hamfats [1936–1939]

Hamfat Swing 1936–1938 [1936–38, EPM Blue Collection], A–

Coleman Hawkins (1901–69)

The Hawk in Europe [1934–37, ASV], B+
Coleman Hawkins 1934–1937 [1934–37, Classics], A–
In Europe 1934/39 [1934–39, Jazz Up, 3 CD], A–
Coleman Hawkins 1937–1939 [1937–39, Classics], A
w/Ben Webster, Benny Carter: Three Great Swing Saxophones [1929–40, RCA], B+
The Complete Recordings [1929–41, Affinity, 6 CD], A–
w/Lester Young: Classic Tenors [1943, CBS], A–
Thanks for the Memory [1937–44, Xanadu/EPM], A–
The Complete Coleman Hawkins: The Essential Keynote Collection 6 [1944, Mercury, 4 CD], A–
Rainbow Mist [1944, Delmark], A–
w/Benny Carter: Coleman Hawkins and Benny Carter [1935–46, DRG], A–
Hollywood Stampede [1945–47, Capitol 92596e], A
Bean and the Boys [1944–49, Prestige], B
The Bebop Years [1939–49, Proper, 4 CD], A+
Coleman Hawkins / Johnny Hodges in Paris [1949–50, Disques Vogue], B+
Jazz Tones [1954, Xanadu], A–
Body and Soul [1939–56, RCA], A–
The Hawk Flies High [1957, Riverside/Keepnews Collection], A–
The Genius of Coleman Hawkins [1957, Verve], A–
w/Ben Webster: Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster [1957, Verve], A+
w/Roy Eldridge: At the Opera House [1957, Verve], B
w/Henry "Red" Allen: Standards and Warhorses [1957–58, Jass], B
In the '50s: Body and Soul Revisited [1951–58, Decca], B+
Soul [1958, Prestige OJC], A
Hawk Eyes [1959, Prestige OJC], B–
w/Red Garland: Coleman Hawkins with the Red Garland Trio [1959, Prestige OJC], A–
The High and Mighty Hawk [1959, London], A–
Blues Wail: Coleman Hawkins Plays the Blues [1957–59, Prestige], B–
At Ease with Coleman Hawkins [1960, Prestige OJC], A–
Night Hawk [1960, Prestige OJC], B
The Hawk Relaxes [1961, Prestige OJC], A–
w/Pee Wee Russell: Jam Session in Swingville [1961, Prestige], B+
Hawkins! Eldridge! Hodges! Live at the Village Gate [1962, Verve], B
The Best of Coleman Hawkins [1958–62, Prestige], A–
Today and Now [1962, Impulse], A
Desafinado [1962, Impulse], B–
Ken Burns Jazz: The Definitive Coleman Hawkins [1926–62, Verve], A
A Retrospective [1929–63, RCA, 2 CD], A
Wrapped Tight [1965, Impulse], A–
Supreme [1966, Enja], A–

Erskine Hawkins (1914–93)

The Original Tuxedo Junction [1938–45, RCA], A–

Fletcher Henderson (1897–1952)

w/Louis Armstrong: Fletcher Henderson and Louis Armstrong 1924–1925 [1924–25, Jazz Heritage], B+
Tidal Wave [1931–34, Decca], A–
Hocus Pocus [1927–36, RCA Bluebird], A–
A Study in Frustration [1923–38, Columbia, 3 CD], A+
Ken Burns Jazz: The Definitive Fletcher Henderson [1924–40, Columbia/Legacy], A

Woody Herman (1913–87)

Blues on Parade [1937–42, Decca], B
The Thundering Herds [1945–47, Columbia], B+
Blowin' Up a Storm! [1945–47, Columbia, 2 CD], A–
Keeper of the Flame [1948–49, Capitol], B+
Live Featuring Bill Harris Vol. 1 [1957, Status], A–
The Jazz Swinger / Music for Tired Lovers [1954–66, Collectables], B+
Jazz Hoot / Woody's Winners [1965–67, Collectables], A–

Earl Hines (1905–89)

Piano Man! [1928–41, ASV], A–
Fatha [1932–42, Topaz], A–
Piano Man: His Piano and His Orchestra [1939–42, RCA Bluebird], A–
w/Pete Johnson, James P. Johnson: Reminiscing at Blue Note: Blue Note's Early Classic Piano Sessions [1939–43, Blue Note], B
Up to Date [1964, RCA Bluebird], A
Live at the Village Vanguard [1965, Columbia], A
Grand Reunion [1965, Verve, 2 CD], A–
Live! Aalborg, Denmark, 1965 [1965, Storyville], B–
Once Upon a Time [1966, Impulse/Verve], A–
w/Jimmy Rushing: Blues and Things [1967, New World], B
Tour de Force [1972, Black Lion], A–
Earl Hines Plays George Gershwin [1973, Musidisc], B+
Swingin' Away [1973, Black Lion], B+
Plays Duke Ellington [1971–75, New World, 2 CD], B+

Johnny Hodges (1907–70)

Hodge Podge [1938–39, Columbia], B
Jeep's Blues [1928–41, ASV], A
Classic Solos 1928–1942 [1928–42, Topaz], A–
Passion Flower [1940–46, RCA], A+
Caravan [1947–51, Prestige], B+
The Jeep Is Jumpin' [1937–52, Properbox, 4CD], A
Used to Be Duke [1954, Verve], A–
Johnny Hodges at Sportpalast, Berlin [1961, Pablo, 2 CD], B+
w/Billy Strayhorn: Johnny Hodges with Billy Strayhorn and the Orchestra [1961, Verve], B+
Everybody Knows Johnny Hodges [1964–65, Impulse], A+
w/Wild Bill Davis: In a Mellotone [1966, RCA Bluebird], B–
Verve Jazz Masters 35: Johnny Hodges [1951–67, Verve], A–
Triple Play [1967, RCA], A

Spike Hughes (1908–87)

High Yellow [1931–33, Largo], A–
w/Benny Carter: Spike Hughes and Benny Carter 1933 [1931–33, Retrieval], B+

Bunk Johnson (1889–1949)

Bunk and Lu [1941–44, Good Time Jazz], B

James P. Johnson (1894–1955)

Running Wild (1921–1926) [1921–26, Tradition], B+
Harlem Stride Piano [1921–29, Hot 'N Sweet], B+
Snowy Morning Blues [1930–44, Decca], A–
The Original James P. Johnson 1942–1945: Piano Solos [1942–45, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+

Pete Johnson (1904–67)

King of Boogie [1939–41, Milan], A–

King Oliver (1885–1939)

Sugar Foot Stomp [1926–28, Decca], B–
Great Original Performances 1923–1930 [1923–30, Jazz Classics, 2 CD], A–

John Kirby (1908–52)

Complete Columbia and RCA Victor Recordings [1939–42, Definitive, 2 CD], A–

Andy Kirk (1898–1993)

Mary's Idea [1936–41, Decca], A–

Eddie Lang (1904–33)

A Handful of Riffs [1927–29, ASV], B+

George Lewis (1900–68)

With Kid Shots [1944, American Music], B+
Trios and Bands [1943–45, American Music], A–
w/Henry "Red" Allen: George Lewis with Red Allen: The Circle Recordings [1951, American Music], B+
The Beverley Caverns Sessions [1953, Good Time Jazz], A
Ice Cream [1953, Delmark], B+
Jazz Funeral in New Orleans [1953, Tradition], A–

Meade Lux Lewis (1905–64)

Meade Lux Lewis 1927–1939 [1927–39, Classics], B+

Guy Lombardo (1902–77)

The Best of Guy Lombardo: The Early Years [1928–34, Collectors' Choice], B+
The Band Played On [1927–50, ASV], B

Jimmie Lunceford (1902–47)

Rhythm Is Our Business [1933–40, ASV], A–
Stomp It Off [1934, Decca], A–
For Dancers Only [1935–37, Decca], A

McKinney's Cotton Pickers (1928–30)

The Band Don Redman Built (1928–1930) [1928–30, RCA Bluebird], A–

Mills Blue Rhythm Band [1930–1938]

An Introduction to the Mills Blue Rhythm Band [1931–37, Best of Jazz], B

Glenn Miller (1904–44)

The Essential Glenn Miller [1939–42, RCA, 2 CD], B–
Platinum Glenn Miller [1939–42, Bluebird, 2 CD], B+
Jazz Moods: Hot [1939–42, Bluebird/Legacy], B+
1939–44 (2005), Bluebird/Legacy 69241 [2 CD], B+

Jelly Roll Morton (1890–1941)

Jelly Roll Morton 1923 / 24 [1923–24, Milestone], A–
Original Versions of the Music Inspiring Jelly's Last Jam and Other Morton Classics [1926–30, RCA], A–
The Jelly Roll Morton Centennial: His Complete Victor Recordings [1926–30, RCA, 5 CD], A–
Kansas City Stomp [1938, Rounder], B+
Winin' Boy Blues [1938, Rounder], B
The Pearls [1926–39, RCA], A
Last Sessions: The Complete General Recordings [1939–40, Commodore], B+

Bennie Moten (1894–1935)

Basie Beginnings [1929–32, RCA], A–
Bennie Moten 1930–1932 [1930–32, Classics], A–

New Orleans Rhythm Kings (1922–25)

w/Jelly Roll Morton: New Orleans Rhythm Kings and Jelly Roll Morton [1922–25, Milestone], A–

Frankie Newton (1906–54)

Frankie's Jump [1937–39, Affinity], B

Red Nichols (1905–65)

Red Nichols and Miff Mole 1925–1927 [1925–27, Retrieval], A–

Jimmie Noone (1895–1944)

Apex Blues [1928–30, Decca], B+

Red Norvo (1908–99)

Best of Big Bands: Red Norvo — Featuring Mildred Bailey [1936–39, Columbia], B
w/Charles Mingus, Tal Farlow: The Savoy Sessions [1950–51, Savoy, 2 LP], B+

Kid Ory (1886–1973)

Ory's Creole Trombone [1922–44, ASV], B+
Kid Ory's Creole Jazz Band [1944–45, GHB], A–

Hot Lips Page (1908–54)

Jump for Joy [1937–50, Columbia/Legacy], B+

Don Redman (1900–64)

Doin' What I Please [1925–38, ASV], A

Django Reinhardt (1910–53)

The Classic Early Recordings in Chronological Order [1934–37, JSP, 5 CD], A–
Djangologie / USA [1935–38, Disques Swing, 2 CD], A–
w/Stéphane Grappelli: Swing from Paris [1935–39, ASV], A
w/Stéphane Grappelli: Volume Two: Nuages [1934–41, ASV], A–
Compact Jazz: Django Reinhardt in Brussels [1942, Verve], B+
w/Stephane Grappelli: Souvenirs [1938–46, London], B+
Djangology [1949, Bluebird], B+
Bruxelles / Paris [1938–53, Musidisc], B

Luis Russell (1902–63)

Savoy Shout [1929–30, JSP], A–
The Luis Russell Story 1929–1934 [1929–34, Retrieval, 2 CD], A–

Pee Wee Russell (1906–69)

Jazz Original [1938–45, Commodore], B+
The Individualism of Pee Wee Russell [1952, Savoy], B
We're in the Money [1953–54, Black Lion], B+
Portrait of Pee Wee [1958, DCC], A–
Swingin' with Pee Wee [1958–60, Prestige], A–
w/Coleman Hawkins: Jazz Reunion [1961, Candid], B+
Ask Me Now! [1965, Impulse], A–

Artie Shaw (1910–2004)

His First Three Bands: 1936–1940 [1936–40, Jazz Legends], A–
Begin the Beguine [1938–40, RCA], A–
The Complete Gramercy Five Sessions [1940–45, RCA], B
Jazz Moods: Hot [1938–45, Bluebird/Legacy], B+
The Essential Artie Shaw [1936–53, Bluebird/Legacy, 2 CD], A–
The Last Recordings [1954, Musicmasters, 2 CD], B+
More Last Recordings [1954, Musicmasters, 2 CD], B+

Jabbo Smith (1908–90)

Jabbo Smith's Rhythm Aces, 1929–1938 [1929–38, Classics], A–

Stuff Smith (1909–67)

Time and Again [1936–45, Proper, 2CD], A–
Stuff Smith / Dizzy Gillespie / Oscar Peterson [1957, Verve 521, 2 CD], B+
Cat on a Hot Fiddle [1959, Verve], B+

Willie "The Lion" Smith (1895–1973)

Willie "The Lion" Smith and His Cubs [1935–37, Timeless], A–
w/Don Ewell: Stride Piano Duets: Live in Toronto, 1966 [1966, Delmark], B+(**)

Muggsy Spanier (1906–67)

The "Ragtime Band" Sessions [1939, RCA Bluebird], A

Jess Stacy (1904–94)

Ec-Stacy [1935–45, ASV], B+

Rex Stewart (1907–67)

Rexatious [1926–41, ASV], B+
Rex Stewart and the Ellingtonians [1940–46, Riverside OJC], B

Art Tatum (1909–56)

Solos (1940) [1940, Decca], B+
The Art of Tatum [1932–44, ASV], A–
Piano Starts Here [1933–49, Columbia/Legacy], B+
The Complete Capitol Recordings Volume One [1949–52, Capitol Jazz], A–
The Complete Capitol Recordings Volume Two [1949–52, Capitol Jazz], B+
20th Century Piano Genius [1950–55, Verve, 2 CD], A–
The Art Tatum Solo Masterpieces Vol. 4 [1954, Pablo], B+
The Art Tatum Solo Masterpieces Vol. 5 [1954, Pablo], B+
The Best of the Complete Pablo Solo Masterpieces [1953–55, Pablo], A
w/Benny Carter, Louis Bellson: The Tatum Group Masterpieces, Vol. 1 [1954, Pablo], A–
w/Roy Eldridge, Larry Simmons, Alvin Stoller: The Tatum Group Masterpieces, Vol. 2 [1955, Pablo], A
w/Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich: The Tatum Group Masterpieces, Vol. 3 [1955, Pablo], A–
w/Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich: The Tatum Group Masterpieces, Vol. 4 [1955, Pablo], B+
w/Harry "Sweets" Edison, Lionel Hampton, Barney Kessel, Red Callender, Buddy Rich: The Tatum Group Masterpieces, Vol. 5 [1955, Pablo], B+
The Tatum Group Masterpieces, Vol. 6 [1956, Pablo], A–
w/Buddy DeFranco, Red Callender, Bill Douglass: The Tatum Group Masterpieces, Vol. 7 [1956, Pablo], A
w/Ben Webster, Red Callender, Bill Douglas: The Tatum Group Masterpieces, Vol. 8 [1956, Pablo], A+
The Complete Pablo Group Masterpieces [1954–56, Pablo, 6 CD], A–
The Best of the Complete Pablo Group Masterpieces [1954–56, Pablo], A
The Best of Art Tatum [1953–56, Pablo], A

Jack Teagarden (1905–64)

w/Pee Wee Russell: Jack Teagarden's Big Eight / Pee Wee Russell's Rhythmakers [1938–40, Riverside OJC], A
The Indispensable Jack Teagarden 1928–1957 [1928–57, RCA, 2 CD], B
Mis'ry and the Blues [1961, Verve], B+
A Hundred Years from Today [1963, Grudge], B

Kid Thomas Valentine (1896–1987)

Kid Thomas and His Algiers Stompers [1951, American Music], B+
Kid Thomas-George Lewis Ragtime Stompers [1961, GHB], A

Joe Venuti (1903–78)

Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang Vol. 2 [1926–31, JSP], A–
w/Eddie Lang: Great Original Performances: 1926–1933 [1926–33, Jazz Classics in Digital Stereo], A–
Violin Jazz 1927–1934 [1927–34, Yazoo], B+
w/Earl Hines: Hot Sonatas [1975, Chiaroscuro], B

Fats Waller (1904–43)

Fats and His Buddies [1927–29, RCA], B+
A Handful of Keys: 1922–1935 [1922–35, Jazz Legends], B+
I'm Gonna Sit Right Down: The Early Years, Part 2 [1935–36, RCA, 2 CD], A–
A Handful of Keys [1938, Buddha], B+
The Middle Years Part 1 (1936–1938) [1936–38, RCA, 3 CD], A
The Middle Years Part 2 (1938–1940) [1938–40, RCA, 3 CD], B+
The Joint Is Jumpin' [1929–41, RCA], A
Piano Solos 1929–1941 [1929–41, RCA, 2 CD], A–
The Last Years 1940–1943 [1940–43, RCA, 3 CD], A–
The Very Best of Fats Waller [1929–43, RCA], A
If You Got to Ask, You Ain't Got It [1926–43, Bluebird/Legacy, 3 CD], A

Chick Webb (1909–39)

Spinnin' the Webb [1929–39, Decca], A–

Ben Webster (1909–73)

Cottontail: The Best of Ben Webster 1931–1944 [1931–44, ASV], A
Cotton Tail [1932–46, RCA], A–
Big Ben [1931–51, Proper, 4 CD], A–
King of the Tenors [1953, Verve], A
Music for Loving [1954–55, Verve, 2 CD], A–
Soulville [1957, Verve], A
Soulville [1957, Verve], A
The Soul of Ben Webster [1957–58, Verve, 2 CD], A
Jammin' [1944–58, Viper's Nest], B+
Ben Webster and Associates [1959, Verve], A–
w/Oscar Peterson: Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson [1959, Verve], A–
The Warm Moods [1960, Reprise], B
w/Harry Eddison: Ben and Sweets [1962, Columbia], A
w/Joe Zawinul: Soul Mates [1963, Riverside OJC], B
See You at the Fair [1964, Impulse], A–
For Lovers [1954–64, Verve], A–
w/Buck Clayton: Ben and Buck [1967, Sackville], A–
Plays Ballads [1967–70, Storyville], B+
For the Guv'nor [1969, Charly], B–

Dicky Wells (1907–85)

w/Bill Coleman: Swingin' in Paris [1936–38, Le Jazz], B+

Paul Whiteman (1890–1967)

Greatest Hits [1920–28, Collector's Choice], B

Clarence Williams (1893–1965)

Complete Sessions Vol. 2 1923–1925 [1923–25, Hot 'N Sweet], B+

Cootie Williams (1910–85)

In Hi Fi [1958, RCA], B–

Mary Lou Williams (1910–81)

Mary Lou Williams 1927–1940 [1927–40, Classics], B+
The Zodiac Suite [1945, Smithsonian Folkways], B+
Mary Lou's Mass [1969–72, Smithsonian/Folkways], B
Free Spirits [1975, Steeplechase], B+
A Grand Night for Swinging [1976, High Note], A–

Teddy Wilson (1912–86)

Moments Like This [1938–39, Hep], A–
Mr. Wilson and Mr. Gershwin [1959, Sony], B–

Lester Young (1909–59)

This Is Jazz 26 [1936–43, Columbia], B+
Lester Leaps In: His Greatest Recordings 1936–1944 [1936–44, ASV], A
The "Kansas City" Sessions [1938–44, Commodore], A–
The Essential Keynote Collection 1: The Complete Lester Young [1944, Mercury], A
Lester Young Trio [1943–46, Verve], B
The Complete Aladdin Recordings of Lester Young [1942–47, Blue Note, 2 CD], A–
Blue Lester [1944–49, Savoy], B+
The President Plays with the Oscar Peterson Trio [1952, Verve], A
w/Harry Eddison: Pres and Sweets [1955, Verve], B+
The Jazz Giants [1956, Verve], A–
w/Teddy Wilson: Pres and Teddy [1956, Verve], A
Lester Young in Washington, D.C., 1956: Volume 2 [1956, Pablo OJC], B
Ken Burns Jazz: The Definitive Lester Young [1936–57, Verve], B+

Various Artists

American Pop: An Audio History from Minstrel to Mojo on Record, 1893–1946 [1893–1946, West Hill, 9 CD], A
An Anthology of Big Band Swing 1930–1955 [1930–55, Decca], B+
Barrelhouse Boogie [1936–41, RCA], B+
The Best of Ken Burns Jazz [1926–92, Columbia/Legacy], A
Big Band Jazz: From the Beginnings to the Fifties [Smithsonian, 4 CD], B
Black Legends of Jazz [1926–59, Decca, 2 CD], A
Breaking Out of New Orleans [1922–29, JSP, 4 CD], A–
Classic Jazz Piano [1927–57, RCA], B+
The Classics Collection: A Classics Sampler [1926–40, Classics], B+
Dope and Glory: Reefer Songs der 30er und 40er Jahre [1925–47, Trikont, 2CD], A–
Early Black Swing: The Birth of Big Band Jazz: 1927–1934 [1927–34, RCA Bluebird], A–
52nd Street Swing: New York in the '30s [1934–41, Decca], B
From Spirituals to Swing [1938–39, Vanguard, 3 CD], A–
w/Red Nichols, Ben Pollack, Phil Napoleon, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang: The Jazz Age: New York in the Twenties [1927–30, RCA], A–
Jazz in Paris: Champs Elysees 1917–1949 [1917–49, Verve, 3 CD], B+
Jazz in Paris: Montmartre 1924–1939 [1924–39, Verve, 3 CD], B+
Jazz the World Forgot: Volume 1 [1925–31, Yazoo], B+
Jazz the World Forgot: Volume 2 [1923–30, Yazoo], B
Masters of Jazz, Vol. 1: Traditional Jazz Classics [1923–92, Rhino], A–
Masters of Jazz, Vol. 3: Big Bands of the '30s and '40s [1931–47, Rhino], B+
Progressions: 100 Years of Jazz Guitar [1906–2001, Columbia/Legacy, 4 CD], B+
A Piano Anthology (from Jelly Roll Morton to Bill Evans) [1926–54, Decca], B+
The Real Kansas City [1925–41, Columbia], A–
Ridin' in Rhythm [1933–39, Disques Swing, 2 CD], A–
The Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz [1916–81, Smithsonian, 5 CD], A
Swing Is Here: Small Band Swing 1935–1939 [1935–39, RCA Bluebird], B+
Swing Tanzen Verboten! Swing Music and Nazi Propaganda Swing During World War II [1933–44, Proper, 4CD], B–
Swing Time: The Fabulous Big Band Era [1925–55, Columbia, 3 CD], A–
That Devilin' Tune: A Jazz History [1895–1950]: Volume 1 (of 4) [1895–1927, WHRA, 9 CD], A–
That Devilin' Tune: A Jazz History [1895–1950]: Volume 2 (of 4) [1927–34, WHRA, 9 CD], A–
That Devilin' Tune: A Jazz History [1895–1950]: Volume 3 (of 4) [1934–45, WHRA, 9 CD], A
That Devilin' Tune: A Jazz History [1895–1950]: Volume 4 (of 4) [1945–51, WHRA, 9 CD], A–
Visions of Jazz [1937–96, Blue Note, 2 CD], A–

Introduction