Jazz is a genre of music that is often misunderstood. It can be seen as complicated and inaccessible when in reality it is neither of those things. Jazz is a genre of music that is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. 

In this blog post, we will explore five essential jazz artists that you must listen to. You can simply head over to an mp3 download website and search for songs by these artists and download them. These artists represent the best of what jazz has to offer, and they are sure to get your toes tapping. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.

Miles Davis

Miles Davis was an American trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. He is one of the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th century music. Davis adopted a variety of musical styles throughout his career and is credited with creating the cool jazz subgenre. His 1950s quintet, which featured saxophonist John Coltrane, pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones, was considered to be one of the finest jazz ensembles ever assembled.

In Miles Davis’ later years, he experimented with electric instruments and rock music influences to create his own unique brand of fusion jazz. His best-known albums from this period include “Bitches Brew” and “On the Corner”. Davis’ final studio album, “Doo-Bop”, was released posthumously in 1992.

John Coltrane

John Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist and composer who was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. He played a major role in the development of jazz, both as a performer and as a composer. His work helped to redefine jazz and to create a new style known as “free jazz.”

Coltrane was born in North Carolina in 1926 and began playing saxophone when he was 13 years old. He played in various bands during the 1940s, including the Navy band during World War II. After the war, he returned to civilian life and began playing with some of the most important figures in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk.

In 1955, Coltrane joined Miles Davis’ Quintet and made his first recordings with them. These recordings were highly influential and helped to establish Coltrane as one of the leading saxophonists of his generation.

In 1960, Coltrane formed his own quartet which featured pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Jimmy Garrison, and drummer Elvin Jones. This group became known for its innovative improvisations and for its exploration of new harmonic possibilities. They recorded several classic albums together, including “My Favorite Things” (1961) and “A Love Supreme” (1965).

Coltrane’s later years were marked by personal struggles and health problems, but he continued to compose and perform until his death from liver cancer in 1967

Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker, nicknamed “Bird” and “Yardbird”, was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Parker was a highly influential jazz soloist and a leading figure in the development of bebop, a form of jazz characterized by fast tempos, virtuosic technique and advanced harmonies. 

Parker was a prolific composer, writing many tunes that have become standards, including “Now’s the Time”, “Billie’s Bounce”, “Groovin’ High”, “Confirmation” and ” Ornithology”.

During the 1940s, Parker’s bebop style developed rapidly while he was performing with bands such as Jay McShann’s Jayhawks and Billy Eckstine’s Benny Goodman-influenced big band. His playing was similar to that of Lester Young, but he differed from other saxophonists in his approach to melody, harmony and rhythm. 

Parker created his own sound by combining ideas from different sources such as European classical music, Latin American music and blues. He also used unconventional harmonic approaches that were not common in jazz at the time.

Parker’s innovations helped to make bebop one of the most important styles of jazz that has ever existed. His contributions to the music have been widely recognized; in 1988 he was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and in 2006 he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his composition “Donna Lee”.

Thelonious Monk

Thelonious Monk was one of the most important jazz musicians of the 20th century. He was a highly influential pianist and composer whose unique style shaped the sound of modern jazz. Monk’s music is known for its complex harmonies and inventive rhythms, and he is considered one of the pioneers of bebop. His best-known compositions include “Round Midnight” and “Blue Monk.”

Ornette Coleman

Ornette Coleman is one of the most essential jazz artists that you must listen to. He was a true pioneer of the free jazz movement and his influence can still be felt today. 

Coleman’s music was often seen as controversial in its day, but it has stood the test of time and is now considered to be some of the most important jazz ever made. If you’re looking to explore the outer limits of jazz, then Ornette Coleman is a must-hear artist.