- Duke Ellington orchestra, maybe something off of his 1971 "New Orleans Suite" album, or "Mood Indigo" off his 1950 "Masterpieces" album, or both! Difficult to choose among his 50 year career. His 1971 album is underrated, but contains many fascinating pieces.
- Duke Ellington trio - "Things Ain't What They Used to Be" from his 1953 "Duke Plays Ellington" album. I could have chosen many other tracks among his piano solo/trio tracks. This one is simple on the surface, but there is so much subtlety
- Nat King Cole - "I Surrender Dear", a lengthy solo recorded at Monroe's in 1941. Fireworks.
- Lester Young - perhaps his 1941 live quintet recording of "Tickle Toe". Prez at his peak with a swinging band. No need to say more.
- Billie Holiday - one of her early sessions with Teddy Wilson - hard to choose which one, maybe "This Year's Kisses" from 1937, because it is so charming, and so was she! She single-handedly revolutionized singing. These sessions are perfect - stars aligned.
- Henry Allen - "I Cover the Waterfront" from his 1957 "World on a String" album, because he is a forgotten giant and plays so expressively
- Coleman Hawkins - "Out of Nowhere" recorded in 1937 - specifically that track because I played the recording at my mother's funeral
- Lucky Thompson - "Yesterday's Child" from his 1973 album "I Offer You" album which was his last as he gave up recording. What a shame!
- Charles Mingus "Duke Ellington's Sound of Love" from his 1974 "Changes One" album, because it is such a beautiful tribute.
- Fred Astaire "Cheek to Cheek" because when I listen to it I can see him dance!
There are so many others...These are artists and tracks that come to mind now. These are all track that stimulate a strong "emotional response", and that bear repeated listening as I am perpetually amazed, and surprised, by what they do each in their unique way. Most of them can also be said to have had a lasting contribution and influence, even though some of their careers were ended too soon, or they had ups and downs. They all continuously evolved throughout their careers.