A Blue Note Favorite
Explore the Timeless Tracks of Blue Ballads
1991 Blue Note - Blue Ballads
Miles Davis
Dexter Gordon
Cannonball Adderly
Enjoy the soulful insights of Cannonball Adderley's alto sax while he spins a captivating tale woven through this classic tune.
Freddie Hubbard
Feel the warmth of Freddie Hubbard's trumpet as it shines brightly throughout this beautifully orchestrated piece.
Experience the Soul of Blue Ballads: Stream Now!
Dive into the smooth sounds of "Blue Ballads," a captivating 1991 Blue Note compilation featuring a stellar lineup of jazz legends. Whether you're at home or on the go, you can enjoy this timeless collection of evocative melodies and intricate harmonies. Discover the power of jazz through these classic tracks and let the music elevate your spirit. Available on all major streaming platforms for easy access!
Blue Ballads
1 - A Child Is Born
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Jimmy Madison
Guitar – George Benson
Organ – Jimmy Smith
Tenor Saxophone – Stanley Turrentine
2 - Since I Fell For You
Bass – Doug Watkins
Drums – Art Taylor
Piano – Sonny Clark
Trumpet – Lee Morgan
3 - Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry
Bass – Butch Warren
Drums – Billy Higgins
Piano – Sonny Clark
Tenor Saxophone – Dexter Gordon
4 - Autumn Leaves
Alto Saxophone – Cannonball Adderley
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Art Blakey
Piano – Hank Jones
Trumpet – Miles Davis
5 - I'm Old Fashioned
Bass – Paul Chambers (3)
Drums – "Philly" Joe Jones
Piano – Kenny Drew
Tenor Saxophone – John Coltrane
Trombone – Curtis Fuller
Trumpet – Lee Morgan
6 - Cry Me Not
Bass – Larry Ridley
Drums – "Philly" Joe Jones
Piano – Cedar Walton
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath
Trombone – Julian Priester
Trumpet – Freddie Hubbard
7 - Bouquet
Bass – Bob Cranshaw
Drums – Joe Chambers
Piano – Herbie Hancock
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Bobby Hutcherson
8 - Lazy Afternoon
Bass – Steve Swallow
Drums – Pete La Roca
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson
9 - Easy Living
Bass – Percy Heath
Drums – Art Blakey
Flute – Gigi Gryce
Piano – John Lewis (2)
Tenor Saxophone – Charlie Rouse
Trumpet – Clifford Brown
10 - Nature Boy
Bass – Milt Hinton
Tenor Saxophone – Ike Quebec
11 - You Taught My Heart To Sing
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Where do I go after Blue Ballads?
1. Ballads (1963)
One of the most beautiful ballad albums in jazz history, featuring Coltrane's warm, expressive tenor saxophone.
Why you'll love it: The same intimate, reflective mood that makes Blue Ballads so appealing.
2. Blue Hour (1961)
A masterpiece of soulful tenor saxophone and blues-infused ballad playing.
Why you'll love it: Smoky, late-night jazz with unforgettable melodies.
3. Idle Moments (1963)
A Blue Note classic featuring spacious arrangements and one of the most relaxing title tracks ever recorded.
Why you'll love it: The same laid-back elegance and melodic beauty found throughout Blue Ballads.
4. Soul Station (1960)
Although not exclusively ballads, it showcases Mobley's warm tenor sound and lyrical approach.
Why you'll love it: Rich melodies, beautiful tone, and classic Blue Note atmosphere.
5. The Sidewinder (1964)
Known for its famous title track, but also filled with soulful, melodic performances.
Why you'll love it: The same accessible, bluesy spirit that makes many tracks on Blue Ballads so memorable.
Bonus Recommendations
Blue Train
Midnight Blue
Moanin'
Speak No Evil
Song for My Father
Desert Island Picks for Blue Ballads Fans
Ballads – John Coltrane
Blue Hour – Stanley Turrentine
Idle Moments – Grant Green
Midnight Blue – Kenny Burrell
Soul Station – Hank Mobley
Similar "Late-Night Jazz" Albums
For a listener who enjoys the mellow, romantic feel of Blue Ballads, I would also strongly recommend:
But Beautiful
You Must Believe in Spring
The Art of Ballads
John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman
The Melody at Night, With You
One-Sentence Summary for BayAreaJazzLines
"If Blue Ballads is your soundtrack for quiet evenings, these albums deliver the same blend of warmth, melody, and timeless Blue Note elegance that keeps listeners coming back year after year."