Smooth—that’s the way the Jazzman drives. The only thing smoother than his driving is the music, always streaming from his trusty stereo. And that’s what’s so cool about it, man. Gliding around corners, slipping between lanes, the Jazzman is Jazz. His bus has a pulse, riding the rhythm of the city to a backdrop of blue notes. When you take a ride with the Jazzman, you don’t just listen to jazz, you become a part of it.

On the bus, the streets streak by to a beat. Off the bus, the world slows to a halt. It doesn’t have to stop. Jazzman Presents is a list of a few recommendations from the Miles Davis of Drivers, our friend the Jazzman.

Miles Davis
Kind of Blue

The well-known Miles Davis classic is perfect for newcomers to jazz. With memorable riffs and beautiful improvisation, it’s the album that will keep you coming back to jazz for more.

“This one is for first time jazz cats comin’ into the University. Maybe they’re from a rural area that didn’t even have a jazz radio station, or maybe their parents played ‘em bluegrass their whole lives.”

Kind of Blue has been hailed by many as the definitive jazz album and it’s the best selling jazz album of all time, according to the RIAA. Despite this, it is interesting to note that Miles Davis created the concepts for the album only hours before recording. The group never practiced as a whole. What results is, according to Bill Evans’ description in the liner notes “something close to pure spontaneity.”

For those looking for something a bit deeper in the jazz sphere:

The Horace Silver Quintet
Tokyo Grooves

“If you don’t have this one in your collection, you gotta add it.”

Inspired by the distinct melodies he experienced in Tokyo, the tunes on Tokyo Grooves were Silver’s recollection of his time abroad.

“One night, Horace got out late at a club, and the cab driver on the way back to the hotel looked back in the mirror, and the only thing he could say was ‘Too much sake.’ That’s how he got the name for the first track! It’s a great track…”

Tokyo Grooves, like many of Silver’s works, relies on the pairing of Latin beats and blues. Due to its Eastern influence, it has a touch of Asian melodies worked into its style. Groovy.

The Jazzman can be found cruising through campus on a doublewide bus five days a week. Cool.