Albums of 1959

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1. 1
   Moanin'Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers

   Moanin'

   Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers · 1959 · Jazz

   A soulful, hard-swinging hard-bop classic anchored by its gospel-tinged title track. Tight and joyful. Essential Blue Note.

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2. 2
   Mingus Ah UmCharles Mingus

   Mingus Ah Um

   Charles Mingus · 1959 · Jazz

   A vivid, swinging survey of jazz tradition through Mingus's restless imagination, from the elegiac 'Goodbye Pork Pie Hat' to gospel-charged blowing. Endlessly rich. One of the great large-group records.

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3. 3
   Time OutDave Brubeck

   Time Out

   Dave Brubeck · 1959 · Jazz

   An experiment in unusual time signatures that became an unlikely smash, led by the 5/4 'Take Five'. Cool, accessible and hugely popular. A perfect jazz starter record.

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4. 4
   Blowin' the Blues AwayHorace Silver

   Blowin' the Blues Away

   Horace Silver · 1959 · Jazz

   A soulful, swinging hard-bop peak. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.

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5. 5
   Moanin' in the MoonlightHowlin' Wolf

   Moanin' in the Moonlight

   Howlin' Wolf · 1959 · Blues

   A foundational compilation of Wolf's early Chicago-blues power. Raw and historic. Essential blues.

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6. 6
   Gunfighter Ballads and Trail SongsMarty Robbins

   Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs

   Marty Robbins · 1959 · Country & Americana

   A cinematic Western-country landmark, home to 'El Paso'. Vivid and beloved. A genre classic.

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7. 7
   Kind of BlueMiles Davis

   Kind of Blue

   Miles Davis · 1959 · Jazz

   The best-selling jazz album of all time and the gateway record for countless listeners, built on modal improvisation and an unmatched band. Cool, spacious and endlessly calming, it never wears out. If you own one jazz record, start here.

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8. 8
   Porgy and BessMiles Davis

   Porgy and Bess

   Miles Davis · 1959 · Jazz

   A lush Gershwin reworking with Gil Evans's orchestrations. Gorgeous and beloved. A high point.

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9. 9
   The Shape of Jazz to ComeOrnette Coleman

   The Shape of Jazz to Come

   Ornette Coleman · 1959 · Jazz

   The album that announced free jazz, melodic yet liberated from chord changes. Revolutionary and surprisingly tuneful. A pivotal record.

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