Most under appreciated, underrated jazz musicians

Chicago

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Feb 9, 2019
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Thinking of a jazz musician that is excellent but never became a 'jazz superstar' and never became rich, generally known that Hank Mobley was one of the most under appreciated jazz sax players. Joe Henderson was also appreciated relatively late, paradoxically despite the fact that he's one of the most recognized sax players in modern jazz history :). So, who else? I just refreshed recording of Bennie Wallace for famous Enja Records - 'The Four Teen Bar Blues' - with Eddie Gomez on bass and Eddie Moore on drums. I must say that Bennie's jazz on this recording contains everything what I love in jazz - there is a lot of 'wild' improvisation, a lot of raw sound what's obvious from point of view jazz trio playing without harmonic instrument, playing in opened style or controlled free jazz... etc. I also have Bennie's recordings for Enja 'Sweeping Through The City', 'Bennie Wallace Plays Monk' which are a little different, much more accessible and maybe more 'commercial' but still great and still showing potential of this great underrated musician. So, who else? ;)
 

RogerD

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Blue Mitchell, Dexter Gordon,Larry Young
 
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jazdoc

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The shorter list is “great jazz musicians who are appropriately appreciated/rewarded”
 
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spiritofmusic

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How about most unapreciated (at the time) jazz album? Miles Davis "On The Corner".
In the DNA of almost every experimental, ambient and loop-based album in the last four decades.
But at the time, the sheer hate from critics.
 

jeff1225

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Jan 29, 2012
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How about most unapreciated (at the time) jazz album? Miles Davis "On The Corner".
In the DNA of almost every experimental, ambient and loop-based album in the last four decades.
But at the time, the sheer hate from critics.

One of my favorite albums. Check out miles davis Panthalassa, a remixed version of several of Miles' best music from 1969-1974.
 

spiritofmusic

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I'm a sucker for all his stuff in the 70s.
Dark Magus, Pangaea and Agharta are one Hell of a trio of other worldly fusion.
On The Corner is The Daddy.

Love Panthalassa.
 

Chicago

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'On The Corner' - rock & funk period of MD. Very good stuff, I have a full session of this recordings - very nice 6 CD box set - love it. What's important there is Dave Liebman on the board - one of my favorite musician all the time. He's a 'main tree branch' in Coltrane context.
 
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Recordsguy

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Sep 6, 2015
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I've always thought that-Cannonball Adderley was some what underrated during his career.
 

Gregadd

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Apr 20, 2010
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The recording industry had an iron grip on who and when artist got a break. If they fell into disfavor, it was a tough road to recognition. One such artist was:

 
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