Aviator-Aviator (1986) (USA)

Overshadowed by a series of huge, more media-savvy albums released the same year ("Third Stage" by Boston, "Slippery When Wet" by Bon Jovi, "The Final Town" by Europe, or "Raised on Radio" by Journey, among many others), the only release from the Americans Aviator (not to be confused with other bands of the same name that emerged over the years), is one of the hidden gems of AOR, full of magnificent choruses, catchy melodies, and energetic guitars backed by splendid keyboards. This short-lived group, comprised of drummer Michael Ricciardella, guitarist Richie Cerneglia, singer and guitarist Ernie White, bassist Steve Vitale, and keyboardist Tommy Zite, managed to create a sublime album brimming with magnificent tracks such as the intense mid-tempo songs "Front Line", "Wrong Place Wrong Time", "Magic", "Come Back", and "Through The Night", which contrast sharply with the powerful hard rock anthems "Woman in Love", "Too Young", and "Never Let The Rock Stop". Without a doubt, this debut is a classic of the melodic rock genre, though it unfortunately remained somewhat obscure, becoming a cult classic of AOR.

Creedence Clearwater Revival-Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968)

In the late 1960s, musical movements were enveloped in a vast array of sounds, inundated with distorted guitars, Hammond organs, early synthesizers, and dozens of other complex instruments. These instruments, used in unison, created a spectacular sonic diversity, distinct from the styles that overflowed the pop and rock landscape. It was in this context that a basic, almost archaic band emerged, with a sound as abrasive as it was traditional. They not only achieved massive worldwide success but also remained at the top for more than five consecutive years. Simplicity and brilliance, combined, were the secret of Creedence Clearwater Revival, who, drawing on the ancestral sounds of North America blues, country, folk, and rock 'n' roll earned the respect and admiration of millions. Led by guitarist and vocalist John Fogerty, who had previously formed a band that contained the seeds and essence of Creedence Clearwater Revival, called The Blue Velvets, which also included bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford, the definitive lineup of Creedence Clearwater Revival was completed with the addition of John's younger brother, Tom Fogerty. John's sonic integrity, combined with the straightforward skill of Clifford and Cook's rhythm section, and Tom's rhythmic strumming, was the perfect synthesis of their successful style known as "swamp rock," which they so brilliantly showcased on their magnificent debut album released in mid-1968. The eight-minute, powerful cover of Dale Hawkins' "Suzie Q" did nothing to prevent it from climbing to the top of the singles charts worldwide. But apart from this classic song, a true rock icon, the album contained a repertoire full of exciting songs such as "I Put A Spell On You", another cover, this time of Screamin' Jay Hawkins, "Get Down Woman", "The Working Man", "Walk on the Water" or "Porterville", which amazingly led this first record to sell close to a million copies in a single week in the United States.

Allan Holdsworth-I.O.U. (1982)

“I.O.U.”, the fourth album by phenomenal guitarist Allan Holdsworth, former member of the legendary bands Soft Machine, Nucleus, Tempest, Gong, and U.K., is one of his masterpieces, presenting a style completely different from anything he had done previously. Here, the British guitarist surrounded himself with musicians Paul Williams (vocals), Paul Carmichael (bass), and Gary Husband (drums and keyboards). His new vision of jazz-rock led him to explore parameters not yet as widely as the guitarist demonstrates in this virtuosic display. The intelligent arrangements of “Checking Out”, the lush atmospheres of “Letters of Marquee”, and the heavy jazz-rock of “Out From Under”, along with the floating, ethereal guitars of “Shallow Sea”, are the highlights of an essential album of the best jazz-rock of the 1980s.

Freddie Roach-Good Move! (1963)

Freddie Roach was a renowned soul jazz musician who, throughout much of the 1960s, produced some of the genre's finest albums. Roach was one of the few jazz musicians to utilize the Hammond B-3 organ, an instrument uncommon in this genre compared to other styles such as progressive rock or psychedelic rock. In the early 1960s, Roach signed with Blue Note Records and recorded five albums between 1962 and 1964. Among these recordings is "Good Move", released in 1963, featuring collaborations with Hank Mobley on tenor saxophone, Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Clarence Johnston on drums, and Eddie Wright on guitar. On this album, the refined melodies driven by Roach's brilliant organ work firmly and solidly emanate from a series of varied and elegantly executed pieces, with sophisticated musical lines that blend seamlessly with the ingenious solos of Hank Mobley's saxophone and Blue Mitchell's trumpet.

Chris Botti-Italia (2007)

Originally from Oregon, Chris Botti first gained recognition as a trumpet player, working as a session musician for various New York studios in the mid-1980s, and performing and recording with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, and Sting, among many others. After more than ten years acquiring extensive experience with these artists, he released his first solo album, "First Wish", in 1995, skillfully blending jazz sounds with instrumental pop. With subsequent albums, Botti gradually explored smooth jazz, achieving moderate success with albums like "Slowing Down the World", "Night Sessions", and "I Fall in Love". In 2007, with his ninth album, "Italia", he achieved his greatest commercial success. This album features a series of iconic covers with lavish instrumentation, creating a captivating atmosphere and sublime melodies. Thoughtful interpretations ranging from film standards to opera classics and original compositions. This immersive atmosphere is present in pieces like "Deborah's Theme" from the film "Once Upon a Time in America" ​​and "Gabriel's Oboe" from the film "The Mission", both by composer Ennio Morricone. Botti also pays homage to Italy, evoking its exuberance and romanticism in the beautiful "Nessun Dorma" and the extraordinary "Italia", in a successful duet with Andrea Bocelli. His rendition of "Ave Maria" is simply sublime and legendary, supported by a choir that perfectly captures the religious character of the piece. Other versions include the sensual "The Very Thought of You", a classic by the great Ray Noble, sung by Paula Cole, and the enchanting "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" from the musical "My Fair Lady", featuring the splendid voice of a rejuvenated Dean Martin.