Take 5: Tyreek McDole
Did you ever wonder what your favorite musicians are listening to, or the recordings that influenced them? “Take Five” is a look at the music that inspires and excites them. It’s difficult to choose ONLY five recordings!
At 25-years-old, McDole, winner of the 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition is hailed as “the leading voice of his generation” and he is deserving of the accolades. The Haitian born New York based singer’s debut album is Open Up Your Senses.
Miles Davis - Round About Midnight (Columbia)
Miles Davis is one of my absolute heroes of creativity-period. I listened to this album on a nightly basis and fell in love with the music. It’s perfection. The band is endlessly creativity and they stretch the concept of “playing melody” to new heights. The spontaneous tags, beautifully contoured solos, and deeply personal and unique voices. This is the major leagues of music.
Wayne Shorter - Speak No Evil (Blue Note)
We’ve got another genius out of the school of Miles Davis, my favorite composer, Mr. Wayne Shorter. This album taught me so much about composing moods. He can paint pictures in silence and show you the most intimate feeling that you just couldn’t describe. The cover itself begs the viewers to ask, “What does it all mean? What is he trying to say?” I love every song on this album. I’m especially a fan of Waltz, so this one was an automatic home run. Elvin. Sir Carter. Herbie. Freddie. Wayne. This is another dream team of experimental geniuses. I love the Rudy Van Gelder sound. Especially that piano. This is such a special recording.
Betty Carter- Droppin’ Things (Verve)
This is peak Betty in my opinion. She’s been on fire for decades. Learned, Loved, and Lost. There’s a heavy dose of wisdom oozing out of her spirit on this. The originals are cinematic. She’s a master storyteller, and she’s got an incredible multi-generational band on this album. Sheesh.
Escape Velocity - Theo Croker (Okeh Records)
This album changed my whole concept of the music at 16. Theo has an incredibly unique and supple tone, and when coupled with an all-star band and stellar compositions, it was a revelation. I actually went to Oberlin specifically because of this album. I met Theo years later, and now we’ve collaborated on his latest record. Music has led to a lot of full-circle moments like that in my life.
Ella and Louis (Verve)
This is one of the greatest records of all time. ELLA and LOUIS. They’re just singing! Just Swinging! The champions and physical embodiments of this music are on the same record. Oscar Peterson. Ray Brown. Herb Ellis. Buddy Rich. What else can I say?
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