Featured here are some of my favorite albums. I have arranged them alphabetically by artist (or composer) within category. When I had the information available, I've listed the CD reference instead of the LP reference; those listed as LP may have come out with a CD release also of which I am not aware. For some reason, though, sometimes the original vinyl LP version may seem to sound better.

I especially invite you to check out the Traditional Jazz albums. These feature two trumpets/cornets in the front-line. The pieces are played in a highly-charged, two-beat rythymic style that tends to induce foot-stomping, yet they maintain a solid structure that keeps sight of the melody.

This music originated with Joe "King" Oliver in the early 1920's, who invited the young Louis Armstrong to pair up with him on second trumpet. Then in the 1940's came the great Lu Watters' Yerba Buena Jazz Band, which really brought about the worldwide revival of Traditional Jazz. The tradition continued with bands as Turk Murphey, Bob Scobey, Bay City, etc. Today, dixieland music is going strong with festivals occuring nearly every weekend. The San Francisco-style sound of Traditional Jazz is highlighted by groups such as the Hot Frogs Jumpin' Jazz Band, Buck Creek, Uptown Lowdown, and Steve Waddell's Creole Bells from Australia. Sadly my favorite, the South Frisco Jazz Band, has just disbanded after 43 years, but you can still cature their excitement on CDs.