True to the album’ s title, alto saxophonist Jackie McLean breaks away from his traditional hard bop style on this session to freely explore the outer edges of jazz. This single-horn album represents McLean’s audacious bid to move the entire genre forward, while still serving up enough passionate flourishes to touch the hearts of listeners.

Alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson, who is popular for his soulful style, took a smooth approach throughout this album. This studio session, although quite relaxed, still manages to convey a funky feeling.

Dexter Gordon, one of the world’s most impressive bebop tenor saxophonists, brilliantly played the main role in the 1986 film Round Midnight. Like the character he played in that film, Gordon had a difficult time during the 1950s, but he made a triumphant return to the American jazz scene at the dawn of the 1960s. Gordon, whose engaging presence is clear on this masterpiece, proves once again that he was one of the greatest the world has ever seen.

Tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson portrayed a unique world through the use of unconventional notes. Henderson skillfully weaves his way in and out of melodies on this album, a landmark of mid-1960s jazz, displaying his true artistry by transforming ordinary notes into a sublime, musically adventurous form of expression.

Alto saxophonist Jackie McLean was one of the few musicians with enough willpower to motivate himself night after night. McLean’s brilliance is clearly evident on this mid-1960s studio session that also features a young Herbie Hancock, among others. McLean and his compatriots set the world on fire with this scorching set.

Blue Note has been a driving force in the world of jazz for more than 70 years. The prestigious label, which started out in 1939 with the release of Boogie Woogie Piano, continues to thrive as the top record label in the international jazz scene.

Art Blakey was one of the legendary elder statesmen of jazz. His group the Jazz Messengers is widely known for its unique brand of funky hard bop, but their memorable style transcended the traditional limitations of music. The Freedom Rider marks the musical starting point from which the group became a globally influential sensation.

Adolescent drum prodigy Tony (Anthony) Williams was just 17 years old when he was asked to join the Miles Davis Group. Williams was always known for his free- spirited rhythmic touch and adventurous spirit, and Spring clearly demonstrates the evolution of his musical talent. Even today, his bold style is still considered explosive.

In one deft move, Jackie McLean steered his music away from hard bop and changed the way that jazz was played in the 1960s. This aggressive set features McLean’s new, hard-driving stylistic direction, and the intensity of the alto sax on cuts like “Right Now” is sure to command the attention of listeners.

J.R.Monterose’s unique saxophone melodies are old favorites among die-hard jazz aficionados. This self-titled, Blue Note long-player, one of the few recordings in which Monterose was the leader, serves up a range of oddly appealing, bouncy melodies.

On this album, popular guitarist Grant Green pays homage to modern giants like John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins by covering their signature tunes. The distinctive organ flourishes of Larry Young and the inspired drumming of Elvin Jones round out this classic three-man effort.

Idle Moments brings together a wide range of elite players, but the session is primarily centered around legendary jazz guitarist Grant Green. The romantic cuts here conjure up a dreamlike feeling, recalling the wistful images that can pass through one’s head on a lazy afternoon.

Horace Parlan, known for his rhythmic piano style, really shows off his unique qualities on this album. Parlan, accompanied by the legendary Turrentine brothers, Stanley and Tommy, cooks up a healthy serving of blues-tinged intensity on this classic release.