Working your way through the wide world of jazz can sometimes be an overwhelming task. Whether you are just starting out or looking to add to your collection, let the Jazz Online Starter Kit lend a hand! Each artist chosen is considered an influential force in the music and the release selected is an excellent representation of their lasting contribution to jazz. Though there are still many jazz gems out there, this well rounded collection is a guaranteed great place to start!
[All release are directly linked to Amazon.com]
Louis Armstrong & Oscar Peterson
"Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson"
Louis blows and sings and Oscar swings all the way - two legends at their best!
[Buy @ Amazon.com] 
Chet Baker
"My Funny Valentine"
Classic Chet - stylish and romantic trumpet and vocals!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Count Basie
"April in Paris"
Brilliant Basie - say no more!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
George Benson
"Breezin'"
Contemporary crossover milestone - still going strong!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
"Best of Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers"
The premier school of Blakey assembled in great grooves!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Clifford Brown & Max Roach
"Study in Brown"
Stellar showcase of two of the finest in jazz!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Dave Brubeck
"Time Out
Turned an entire generation on to jazz! 'Take Five' Endures!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Betty Carter
"The Audience with Betty Carter"
Her voice is her instrument - fearless and fabulous!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Ornette Coleman
"The Shape of Jazz To Come"
Profound and intense improvisational bliss!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
John Coltrane
"A Love Supreme"
Quintessential Coltrane - More than a must!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Chick Corea
"Light As A Feather"
Powerhouse fusion and originality!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Miles Davis
"Kind of Blue"
The greatest of all time - if you can only own one CD!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Miles Davis
"The Complete Concert 1964"
A brilliant band just burnin'! Unforgettable!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Miles Davis
"In A Silent Way"
Moody Miles embarking upon electric funk!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Duke Ellington
"Ellington Indigos"
Duke is King and elegance swings!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Bill Evans Trio
"At the Village Vanguard"
Beautiful interplay and truly priceless!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Ella Fitzgerald
"The Complete Ella in Berlin"
The First Lady of Song at her finest live!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Stan Getz/Joao Gilberto
"Getz/Gilberto"
Jazz and Bossa Nova soul mates!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt
"Sonny Side Up"
Diz and two Sonnys blow up a storm - classic, classic, classic!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Benny Goodman
"Live at Carnegie Hall 1939"
'Sing, Sing, Sing' says it all!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Charlie Haden & Pat Metheny
"Beyond The Missouri Sky"
Two modern day masters in an intimate duo - a can't miss pick!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Herbie Hancock
"Headhunters"
One Word: F-U-N-K-!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Johnny Hartman & John Coltrane
"Johnny Hartman & John Coltrane"
A musical marriage made in heaven!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Billie Holiday
"Silver Collection"
The lovely Lady Day! Don't miss out!!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Al Jarreau
"Look To The Rainbow"
Jarreau's defining performance - the real deal!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Keith Jarrett Trio
"Standards Live"
Better than brilliant!!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
John Klemmer
"Touch"
Originality in contemporary tenor!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Mahavishnu Orchestra
"Inner Mounting Flame"
World Fusion - Wow!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Brad Mehldau Trio
"Songs: Art of the Trio, Vol. 3"
Bill Evans + Keith Jarrett = Brad Mehldau - A new force on piano!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Pat Metheny Group
"Offramp"
Vintage PMG set the standard!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Charles Mingus
"Black Saint & The Sinner Lady"
Off beat and right on!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Charlie Parker
"Confirmation: Best of Verve Years"
Bebop 101 and Bird is the master!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Tito Puente
"El Rey"
For lovers of Latin and sensational salsa!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Joshua Redman
"Moodswing"
The new guard speaks - are you listening?
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
David Sanborn
"Hideaway"
Contemporary's founding father still leads!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Pharoah Sanders
"Karma"
Free jazz for one and for all!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Mongo Santamaria
"Afro Blue: The Picante Collection"
Influential and impressive Latin percussion!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Nina Simone
"My Baby Just Cares For Me"
A soulful and stylish vocal treasure!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Sun Ra
"Space is the Place"
Innovative, controversial and adventurous - are you up for it?
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Cal Tjader
"Soul Sauce"
Distinctive Latin vibe - very tasty!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Weather Report
"Heavy Weather"
Bar none - fusion at its finest!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Cassandra Wilson
"New Moon Daughter"
A Diva for the millenium!
[Buy @ Amazon.com]
Traditional