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According to jazz commentator Murray Horwitz, listening to Sketches of Spain is akin to being in a gypsy camp on the hills of Andalucia. Recorded near the middle of Davis' nearly 50-year career, this jazz adaptation of classical compositions features such gems as "Concierto De Aranjuez."

Bix Beiderbecke's virtuosity and originality with the cornet won admiration from Louis Armstrong and other jazz greats in the 1920s. He played with Paul Whiteman's orchestra in New York before dying tragically at age 28. This definitive compilation (reissued in 1990) has most of Beiderbecke's best work, including his piano classic "In a Mist."

Although 1972 is not usually considered a golden year for jazz, it did witness the release of a classic: Chuck Corea's Return to Forever. The Latin-tinged album successfully synthesizes elements of rock, jazz, and classical music. Don't miss the jazz standards "Spain," "La Fiesta," and "Windows."

In the early 1960s, Duke Ellington hooked up with the John Coltrane Quartet to record Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, an album spotlighting Ellington's songs. On pieces such as "In a Sentimental Mood," and "My Little Brown Book," the two masters strut their stuff.

Count Basie broke up his band in 1950 because of financial considerations, but later reorganized and embarked on a series of recording sessions that solidified him as an American jazz institution. This album focuses on the post-1954 period, when vocalist Joe Williams gave the band new popularity with such hits as "All Right OK, You Win."

In the late 1930s, big bands frequently vied for the greatest applause in "ballroom competitions." According to commentator A.B. Spellman, "the Basie band was never beaten" in these competitions." This two-volume set showcases Basie at the height of his ballroom success, and features his renowned rhythm section, "the Kansas City Walk."

President Bill Clinton said one artist inspired him to take up the saxophone: Dave Brubeck. Brubeck had a No. 1 hit with "Take Five," which is heard on Time Out. The album also illustrates the Brubeck Quartet's experimentation with complex poly-rhythms.

Art Blakey was one of the greatest jazz drummers of all time. He employed his powerful, rhythmic playing in the "hard bop" — or East Coast — style of jazz. His trademark was the forceful closing of the high-hat on every second and fourth beat. This album illustrates his unique style.

Same Mother, the latest record by jazz pianist Jason Moran, takes the blues to places Muddy Waters and Duke Ellington might not recognize. Tom Moon has a review.

Benny Carter made his recording debut in 1927. Six decades later, he was still going strong, having made a mark as an alto saxophonist, bandleader, composer, and arranger. This 1962 album has his most famous song, "When Lights Are Low."