The Blue Note record label started 70 years ago when German immigrant Alfred Lion was inspired to record some of the boogie-woogie piano music he heard at Carnegie Hall. Today, the label is recognized as one of the finest in jazz. It's classic records, especially those from the 50's and 60's, have a cult following. The American Jazz Museum at 18th and Vine is celebrating Blue Note's anniversary with a series of events.
By Alex Smith
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Kansas City, MO – KC Currents' Alex Smith paid a visit to one of the hosts of that event, avid collector Elmer Jackson. Jackson hosts a Blue Note records listening party, along with saxophonist Bobby Watson and DJ Miles Bonny at the Blue Room Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 5.
Record collectors often talk about their "Desert Island" records. That's the handful of recordings they would want if they were stuck on a desert island. Here's Elmer Jackson's "Desert Island" list of favorite Blue Note recordings (in no particular order):
1) The Sermon - Jimmy Smith
2) Houseparty - Jimmy Smith
3) Midnight Special - Jimmy Smith
4) The Sidewinder - Lee Morgan
5) Blues Walk - Lou Donaldson
6) Blue Train - John Coltrane
7) any Hank Mobley
8) any Stanley Turrentine
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