Easing Your Way Into Jazz (Part 2)

It's been a while since my Part 1 post, but here are the rest of my top 10 recommended albums to ease your way into jazz:

• Chairman of the Board by Count Basie. A swinging taste of the big band era (although it was recorded in 1958, long after that genre's heyday).
  

• Blues Walk by Lou Donaldson. Relaxed bebop with an inviting mix of blues and swing (and a hint of latin rhythm at times).

• Midnight Blue by Kenny Burrell. A moody, bluesy collection led by guitarist Kenny Burrell.

• Back at the Chicken Shack by Jimmy Smith. Fun, funky, groovin' soul-jazz featuring innovative organist Jimmy Smith.

• Jazz Samba by Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd. Quintessential bossa nova, combining the smooth saxophone of Stan Getz with the delicate guitar work of Charlie Byrd. A beautiful collection.

Check back later for a list of a few incredible albums that didn't make my "easing your way into the genre" list but are absolute must-haves for anyone who enjoys jazz.