I’m fortunate to have in Charlie’s collection a copy of almost every Pat Metheny vinyl and/or CD release up until Charlie’s death, and past that, until Ruth’s death. The current box contains these albums. Here’s a favorite of mine, along with other artist stand-outs from my father’s CD trove.
The Road To You by Pat Metheny Group (1993, Geffen)
Pat Metheny is one of the most iconic and popular musicians of our time. Case in point is this 1993 Grammy-winning live album. It opens with an entire stadium spontaneously singing the timeless melody to his track “Minuano (Six Eight)”.
Urbanity by Hank Jones (1997, Verve)
This CD collects pianist (and good Charlie friend) Hank Jones’ 1956 album with previously unreleased outtakes.
But Not Farewell by Andrew Hill (1991, Blue Note)
Modern masterpiece from pianist Andrew Hill, best known for his 1960s Blue Note recordings with Eric Dolphy, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, and Tony Williams, amongst many others.
“Selections from Sarala” by Hank Jones and Cheick-Tidiane Seck & the Mandinkas (1995, Verve)
Sampler CD promoting jazz legend Hank Jones’ collaboration with Malian keyboardist and singer Cheick Tidiane Seck.
I Talk With The Spirits by Roland Kirk (1998, Verve)
CD remastered reissue of Rahsaan Roland Kirk’s 1965 avant-flute blueprint that influenced rock band Jethro Tull and most recently former rapper Andre 3000.
A Turtle’s Dream by Abbey Lincoln (1995, Verve)
Probably my favorite of the bunch. Part of Ms. Lincoln’s 1990s collaborations with French producer Jean-Philippe Allard. Mr. Allard, who died last year, helped save the mid-late careers of many jazz artists, including my father’s. This is also one of at least three of said Abbey albums Charlie plays on.
Bonus CD: Ides Of March by Glauco Venier & Lee Konitz (2001, Artesuono)
Charlie’s copy of this Italy-released disc includes a handwritten note from pianist Glauco Venier. Lee recommended Mr. Venier send the CD to Charlie. The friendship between Charlie and saxophonist Lee Konitz began when Charlie moved to Los Angeles in 1957 and endured over 50 years. Solid, Jackson.
You are reading Josh Haden’s Mémoire on Substack, a memoir about life, death, jazz, slowcore, and survival. Please consider subscribing. You’ll be supporting my writing and preservation of the Charlie Haden Estate.
Check out Charlie’s record collection.
Check out select Charlie Haden Estate items from my eBay store.
All words & images © 2025 Josh Haden, except where noted. All rights reserved.