Various Artists / Hittin' on All Six (2000)

This set covers the development of jazz guitar in the 20th century through the work of its most influential or innovative stylists. It is quite possibly the best set of its kind, or at least the best one that I've come across. It explores the subject to an ideal depth, so the presentation is both informative and also enjoyable to listen to without losing focus or bogging down in unnecessary examples. Arranged chronologically, we hear selections from every crayon in the box, including both lead and rhythm aces, from ragtime to bop. Thus each phase of jazz guitar is illustrated in its proper context across three decades. There are sides aplenty from big stars like Django, Lonnie Johnson and Charlie Christian, but you'll also find sides by lesser players like Tiny Grimes and Bus Etri. With so many highly skilled jazz guitarists working today, it’s easy to take the guitar and its many historical innovators for granted. Here you have the best of the best, collected in one place.  Incidentally, by covering the great bands, the program is also a good introduction to early jazz in general – you get Bix, Bird, Duke, Basie, Louie, and others all in one place. Don't miss Eddie Lang and Lonnie Johnson trading licks on “Have to Change Keys (To Play the Blues),” just one rare delight of many.