Based on Len Lyons,
The 101 Best Jazz Albums (William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1980, ISBN 0-688-08720-5), and Jim Determan's subsequent updates.
| 92. Ornette Coleman: The Shape of Jazz to Come (Atlantic SD-1317) |
| Amazon.com — Vinyl | Amazon.com — CD | Amazon.com — MP3 |
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The album, which Lyons calls "perhaps the boldest album in the history of jazz" and "certainly ... the first to depend primarily upon collective improvisation," is available in all three formats. |
| 93. Ornette Coleman: Free Jazz (Atlantic SD-1364) |
| Amazon.com — Vinyl | Amazon.com — CD | Amazon.com — MP3 |
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As Determan notes, the CD contains an alternate take. Determan also notes that "both Ornette Coleman albums listed here are included in the 6 CD 'Beauty is a Rare Thing' boxed set from Atlantic." |
| 95. Cecil Taylor: Silent Tongues (Arista AL 1005) |
| Amazon.com — Vinyl | Amazon.com — CD | Amazon.com — MP3 |
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The CD listed above is the remastered version from 2000. As Lyons notes, it provides "an unobstructed view of [Taylor's] passion and intellect hard at work." |
| 96. Sun Ra and his Arkestra: Live at Montreux (Inner City IC-1039, 2 LPs) |
| Amazon.com — Vinyl | Amazon.com — CD | Amazon.com — MP3 |
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When Determan made his list, the CD had apparently not been issued. Consequently, Determan recommends as alternatives "The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra Volume One" (ESP) (also Volumes Two and Three) and "Jazz in Silhouette" (Evidence). As he notes, "These CDs are highly recommended by LL and/or the PJG and would make a suitable substitute. 'Jazz in Silouette' is a bit too straight ahead to really show off Sun Ra's eccentricities, I would recommend getting 'Heliocentric Worlds.'" |
| 97. Anthony Braxton: The Montreux/Berlin Concerts (Arista AL 5002, 2 LPs) |
| Amazon.com — Vinyl | Amazon.com — CD | |
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Determan notes that "The single CD omits one cut from the double LP. Despite the loss of a nice track, its still a good set." |
| 99. The Art Ensemble of Chicago: Nice Guys (ECM 1-1126) |
| Amazon.com — Vinyl | Amazon.com — CD | Amazon.com — MP3 |
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The album is available in all three formats. Lyons calls it "a broad sample of their accomplishments" and "an excellent introduction to the group." |
| 101. Air: Air Lore (Arista AN-3014) |
| Amazon.com — Vinyl | Amazon.com — CD | |
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As Determan notes, the RCA CD is out of print. However, the CD and the vinyl recording are available through Amazon.com resellers. |
