NO ONE ASKED MY OPINION, BUT…..

Best players of a melody-

By George W. Harris

Sure, jazz is known for its improvisation, and there are plenty of guys
and dolls out there that are just superb. But what about the melody?
Anyone out there able to just state what the writer of the song
actually had in mind. Can you imagine what would happen to jazz if
everyone adhered to what Monk once said, “Only take a solo if you can
improve the original melody”?

Anyway, here is a short list of the most adept at actually playing a
lovely version of the composer’s theme:
1. Stephane Grappelli
2. Bill Cunliffe
3. Stan Getz
4. Zoot Sims
5. Art Farmer
6. Nat “ King” Cole
7. Johnny Hodges
8. Herb Ellis
9. Lester Young
10. Teddy Wilson
Any record by these guys will just charm your socks off. Get any and
all, and you won’t be disappointed