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Bossa nova, the Brazilian dance, swept the United States in the 1960s. Stan Getz was at the forefront of the movement, along with Antonio Carlos Jobim and Joao Gilberto. The trio teamed up to produce this highly successful bossa nova album, which commentator A.B. Spellman calls a "cool ocean breeze."

Known as Duke Ellington's favorite guitarist, Kenny Burrell was a master of the blues. In 1963, he recorded Midnight Blue, which jazz commentator Murray Horwitz calls a "late night, neon light flashing outside of the window, cigarette smoke swirling up into nothing" record.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Mercy Now, the new album from singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier.

Art Blakey was one of the greatest jazz drummers of all time. He employed his powerful, rhythmic playing in the "hard bop" — or East Coast — style of jazz. His trademark was the forceful closing of the high-hat on every second and fourth beat. This album illustrates his unique style.

In 1956, Louis Armstrong was an international star at the height of his popularity. He also was one of the first to sing in "scat" style, essentially trying to sound out the notes instead of the words. Among many treats, The Best of the Decca Years has one of the best scat solos of all time — "Up a Lazy River."

"A Night in Tunisia" is frequently called Dizzy Gillespie's greatest composition. The Complete RCA Victor Recordings has two versions of it, as well as titles such as "Hey Pete! Let's Eat More Meat" that capture the playful humor of Dizzy Gillespie's Big Band. The album tracks Gillespie's development from 1937-1949, when he rose from an experimental soloist to a jazz legend.

Same Mother, the latest record by jazz pianist Jason Moran, takes the blues to places Muddy Waters and Duke Ellington might not recognize. Tom Moon has a review.

Count Basie broke up his band in 1950 because of financial considerations, but later reorganized and embarked on a series of recording sessions that solidified him as an American jazz institution. This album focuses on the post-1954 period, when vocalist Joe Williams gave the band new popularity with such hits as "All Right OK, You Win."

In the early 1960s, Duke Ellington hooked up with the John Coltrane Quartet to record Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, an album spotlighting Ellington's songs. On pieces such as "In a Sentimental Mood," and "My Little Brown Book," the two masters strut their stuff.

Although 1972 is not usually considered a golden year for jazz, it did witness the release of a classic: Chuck Corea's Return to Forever. The Latin-tinged album successfully synthesizes elements of rock, jazz, and classical music. Don't miss the jazz standards "Spain," "La Fiesta," and "Windows."