Influential Albums

A friend challenged me to list my top ten most influential albums. Forgive me. I couldn’t stop at ten. Rules are meant to be bent.

Album 1. Maurice André - Trumpet Voluntary

My musical love affair began when I heard Trumpet Voluntary and other Baroque pieces performed live at an event. Maurice André was the greatest trumpeter of the genre.

Album 2. The Beatles - Red (1962-1966 Compilation)

I grew up with The Beatles. I watched them perform on the Ed Sullivan show. Red is my favorite collection of their hits.

Album 3. Simon and Garfunkel - Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme

Amazing songs. Amazing performances. An album for the ages.

Album 4. Maynard Ferguson - MF Horn

As a teen, I listened to jazz and what was known as jazz/rock/fusion. As a young trumpet player, nothing was more exciting than Maynard Ferguson’s band in its prime. 

Album 5. Yes - Fragile

Imagine putting rock, classical, and synthesizer music into a blender, pressing the button, and being amazed at the outcome. Fragile was highly influential when I began composing my own music.

Album 6. Stevie Wonder - Songs In The Key Of Life

Pure joy. Pure music. No list of great albums could be complete without this one.

Album 7. Santana - Amigos

Though I was more drawn to jazz and funk and the time, I found Santana’s hybrid of rock, blues, and Latin rhythms to be absolutely irresistible. I listened Europa and Dance Sister Dance endlessly.

Album 8. Weather Report - Heavy Weather

A masterwork that transcends genre and time.

Album 9. Steely Dan - Aja

Another masterwork that transcends genre and time. 

Album 10. The Police - Reggatta de Blanc

While radio stations in the States pushed rock, the rest of the world was moving on to a new sound. Luckily, I went up to Toronto that summer where I caught a glimpse of music in the other side of the fence.

Album 11. Rush - Moving Pictures

One of those records that makes you stop and say Wow! I’ve never stopped saying Wow!

Album 12. U2 - War

Clear, direct, passionate communication of powerful ideas and emotions. I learned to much from listening to this record.

Album 13. The Cars - Heartbeat City

There are lots of great things to say about The Cars. It’s hard to pick one album, but this is the one that connected with me most personally.

Album 14. Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert - The Four Seasons

My very first CD (after vinyl) and one of best. Vivaldi’s music is magical. I could listen to it all day long.

Album 15. Stone Temple Pilots - Purple

An absolute classic of the grunge era.