Coleman Hawkins and His Orchestra: “Body and Soul” (Bluebird, 1939)

This isn’t just a whole album in one track; it’s a multi-disc boxed set in one track. Casting aside the melody of the song with nary a glance—everybody knew it already, right?—tenor saxophonist par excellence Hawkins focused instead on blowing a solo over the underlying chords. His lovably burly tone didn’t mask the complexity of what he was doing: Instead of improvising variations on the tune, he was extending the harmony that supported it. Bebop had been born. MAC RANDALL

Learn more about “Body and Soul” on Amazon and Apple Music.