Jazz Genre Guides,
West Coast Jazz
To paraphrase the music critic and historian Ted Gioia, the sole challenge to New York's dominance within the world of jazz came during the mid-century, when musicians from the West Coast emerged onto the scene with a vibrant splash. Although it rose to drastic popularity during the early fifties, there was no starting gun that officially kicked off this movement, however. With its vibe originating in part from the economical and understated playing style of players such as Lester Young, musicians also took inspiration from their palmy Californian surroundings in creating an altogether laid-back atmosphere. Less intense in energy than its raw and edgier East Coast counterpart, the music made during this era in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco was notable for its cool and relaxed attitude, intricate arrangements and a sophisticated sound that was both innovative and accessible.
Between 1949–50, Miles Davis would usher in a new era with the recording of Birth of the Cool (1957). The seminal album was one of the first of its kind to feature unusual instrumentations that derived from classical music, not to mention the atypical lineup of a nine-piece band. Of its members, arranger and baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan would soon relocate to Los Angeles in 1952. Arm in arm with young upstart Chet Baker, he formed his own pianoless quartet – the first group signed to the newfound Pacific Jazz label. Another such enterprise was Contemporary Records, which was founded by ex-screenwriter Lester Koenig following his blacklisting at the height of McCarthyism. With an eye for hip visuals, meticulous production techniques and procuring the finest artistic contributions to the scene, together these two labels would come to represent the creative peak of the West Coast genre.
Nothing conveys the warm aesthetic of West Coast jazz more convincingly than cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway in an open-top cabriolet or lapping up the waves on Santa Monica Beach. Put on the most famous recordings of the day; you can practically feel the sun-kissed expression in each of the players' notes. For a style that derived from the prototypic disciples of Davis and Young some three quarters of a century ago, the enduring power of its inviting music is still felt to this day.
Discover some of our favourite recordings below...
West Coast Jazz
Freshly picked from the jewels in the crown of West Coast Jazz, this genre guide playlist contains some of the warmest sounds around. 92 minutes
Much has been said of the instrumentalists to have emerged from West Coast scene, but let's not be too hasty in glossing over the esteemed vocalists as well. A self-proclaimed 'song stylist', O'Day was widely admired in her time for her sense of rhythm & dynamics. Her intrepid lifestyle often proved just as hard-living as some of her male contemporaries, and this recording with Oscar Peterson from 1957 is generally regarded one of her strongest performances.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC, Hi-Res+ FLAC
Originally released on the Pacific Jazz label as a pair of 10" LPs, these two former Miles Davis collaborators properly delight themselves on record for the first time since joining forces as part of the master's nonet. The sky's the limit for Konitz, whose fluid lines weave seamlessly with his fellow musicians' feather-light counterpoint.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC
You already knew it'd be on here... One of the most beloved and influential recordings in history, this subtle blend of cool and West Coast jazz is perhaps best remembered for its use of asymmetrical time signatures that were unheard of in contemporary jazz, such as 9/8, 6/4 and 5/4.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC, Hi-Res+ FLAC
Having first shot to fame as part of Stan Kenton's big band, Pepper came to be recognised as one of the leading players of his day – finishing second only to Charlie Parker as 'Best Alto Saxophonist' in the DownBeat Readers Poll of 1952. Throughout, the leader sounds quite inspired by Marty Paich's charts of standards from the cool jazz era, which feature the ensemble as an active part of the music.
Available Format: CD
The first in a four-part series (with a fifth instalment of outtakes arriving later in 1991), this session was recorded at the Black Hawk, San Francisco in 1959. Capturing the heart of the San Francisco live scene, this album features a dynamic band led by the legendary drummer, whose group swings with effortless precision.
Available Formats: Vinyl Record, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC, Hi-Res+ FLAC
As far as jazz venues go, The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach has played host to more than its fair share of greats since first opening in 1949. Adderley's second live recording from 1960 was made here before an appreciative audience, and solidifies the recent arrival of English percussionist Victor Feldman on American shores.
Available Format: CD
180g Vinyl LP in Gatefold Packaging with Photography by William Claxton
Available Format: Vinyl Record
Recorded in 1958 but not released on Contemporary until 1961, this quartet's synergy creates an infectious soundscape that captivates the listener with its spontaneity and groove, made all the more enchanting by the virtuosic presence of bassist Scott LaFaro (who would later go on to join the Bill Evans Trio before his tragic death, not long afterwards).
Available Formats: Vinyl Record, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC, Hi-Res+ FLAC
Pre-dating the bossa nova craze of Getz/Gilberto by a full two years, the third album from the 'Charlie Brown' pianist contains both original compositions and covers of songs from the 1959 French-Brazilian film Black Orpheus, which won the Palme d'Or as well as an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Available Formats: 2 CDs, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC, Hi-Res+ FLAC
Already a big name amongst the Blue Note, Riverside and New Jazz label roster, 1961 saw the bop-oriented trumpeter heading out West for a stint at the San Francisco venue. Calling on a stellar lineup including Jackie McLean and Leroy 'The Walker' Vinnegar, this vibrant snapshot is not only proof of these jazz giants' skills but a great window into their live repertoire and sense of musical innovation.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC
Barney Whittaker
