Grace-Mary Burega

5. "And Then She Stopped" - Dizzy Gillespie

They're not particular about whether you're playing a flatted fifth or a ruptured 129th as long as they can dance to it.

4. "How About You" - Bill Evans

Intuition has to lead knowledge, but it can't be out there alone.

3. "Moody's Mood For Love" - James Moody

I've done what I've done but it's not enough. I'm a student of jazz and there's just so much more to learn.

2. "I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You)" - John Coltrane

I start from one point and go as far as possible. But, unfortunately, I never lose my way. I 'localize,' which is to say that I think always in a given space. I rarely think of the whole of a solo, and only very briefly. I always return to the small part of the solo that I was in the process of playing.

I hold back I give back I push forward it all comes back the spur of excitement the thrill of a rush talking subsides walking bustling through then a show a show just for you ba da ba doo la ee oh da dop a dee doo da zee oh zap a dee wo I close my eyes and see you I hold my breath and it's just not enough I hold back I give back but it's never enough

1. "Just in Time" - Nina Simone

I had spent many years pursuing excellence, because that is what classical music is all about... Now it was dedicated to freedom, and that was far more important.

RIP Geri Allen

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7. Kind of Blue -Miles Davis

"Blue in Green" from Kind of Blue is my other favorite jazz recording of all time. This song has gotten me through some of the worst times of my life. When I was in the hospital this song got me through panic attacks and moments that I felt the world was crumbling beneath me. The song shows me what is beautiful in the world, and I relate to the level of detachment and loneliness the track emotes.

6. Charlie Parker with Strings

When I was in the hospital, I found myself singing "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" in my head every day. The expressive, sweet tone of Charlie Parker along with the powerful, lush strings makes this album one of my favorite albums of all time as well. Songs from this album have become a chant for me to use whenever I am at my worst. 

5. The Ellington Suites

"Sunset And The Mocking Bird" from The Ellington Suites is my favorite Duke Ellington recording. The track has a searching, high spirited quality that connects me to feelings of being sentimental and longing. These feelings help me destress and pursue my day in a positive manner by expressing what I feel on the inside. 

4. Sonny Stitt Sits in with the Oscar Peterson Trio

This album is one of my all time favorite albums as well. Sonny Stitt brings so much energy and charisma to each track. This album is explosively full of happiness that helps reverse a bad day and take my mind off of dwelling negative feelings. 

3. John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman

John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman is currently my favorite vocal album. Johnny Hartman has a deep, rich and tender voice that perfectly compliments Coltrane's lush tone. The tracks are reserved without too much improvisation, yet each track emanates with passion and love that makes this album great to listen to when you need something to express yourself.