Bill Evans

This was only Evans' second LP as a band leader but this 1958 masterpiece contains the template for much of the rest of his long career, with the bassist and drummer often acting as equal creative partners to the jazz pianist. Part of this is due to addition of bassist Scott LeFaro, who just clicked with Evans and drummer Paul Motian. Built from Evans' intro to "Some Other Time," "Peace Piece" remains a cornerstone of modal jazz.