Albums of 1957
The records from 1957 that made our lists.
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1Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm SectionArt Pepper
Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section
A peak of West Coast cool, Pepper paired with Miles's rhythm section. Lyrical and beloved. A classic.
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2Birth of the CoolMiles Davis
Birth of the Cool
The recordings that codified cool jazz, trading bebop's heat for relaxed, arranged elegance with a nonet. Their influence on West Coast jazz was immense. Restrained, sophisticated and historically pivotal.
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3Way Out WestSonny Rollins
Way Out West
A relaxed, piano-less trio peak of cowboy-themed swing. Inventive and beloved. A classic.
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4A Night at the Village VanguardSonny Rollins
A Night at the Village Vanguard
A landmark piano-less live trio date. Inventive and beloved. A high point.
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5Brilliant CornersThelonious Monk
Brilliant Corners
Knotty, angular compositions played with Monk's unmistakable touch, the title track so hard it had to be spliced together. Idiosyncratic and brilliant. Essential Monk.
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6Monk's MusicThelonious Monk
Monk's Music
A robust septet session of Monk's angular tunes. Swinging and acclaimed. A strong record.