Blue Note Records: Hard Bop

Blue Note built its reputation with the sound of hard bop: the slower, swinging, bluesy style that emerged from the whizzing innovations of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Performed by small combos, it was a sound for the jazz lifestyle of New York City: stylish, propelled by confidence and intelligence. If there's a how-to guide for aspiring jazz heroes, this playlist would be it.