If it takes rock-steady self-assurance to court comparisons with recognized artistic giants, then saxophonist Joshua Redman may be jazz’s most confident performer. And if it takes bravery to invite judgment against the standards set by legends like Sonny

While finishing “Bird-Watcher,” a Profile of the jazz broadcaster and expert Phil Schaap, I thought it might be useful to compile a list of a hundred essential jazz albums, more as a guide for the uninitiated than as