Jazz is an American form of music that was born sometime around the year 1900 out of a diverse number of cultures and musical styles. Sometimes restrained and intimate, other times boisterous and exciting, still other times sultry and seductive, jazz music has a little something for everyone.
Jazz has contributed heavily to contemporary music, making you tap your foot, clap your hands and move your body. Jazz is so in the moment and fun to listen to, whether it’s a ballad or an up-tempo swing. Various instruments carry the rhythms, and it’s all about improvisation.
During Black Music Month, we recognize and celebrate jazz’s extraordinary heritage and history and present the 50 Great Jazz Albums – “Black Favorites” to our readers!
50 Great Jazz Albums – “Black Favorites”
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This list is compiled by Sasha Daltonn (alternately spelled Dalton), a Chicago-based singer, writer, and producer. In 1985 she founded what is now known as the Chicago Gospel Music Festival.
She is the producer of “Sasha Sings Dinah,” a musical tribute to Dinah Washington.
She is the author of Unplugged: The Untold Story of Chicago’s Gospel Music Festival. She is a jazz aficionado, a South Side Jazz Coalition board member, and a freelance music producer.
