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Jazz for aficionados

Jazz for aficionados

I'm going to review records in my collection, and you'll be able to decide if they're worthy of your collection. These records are what I consider "must haves" for any jazz aficionado, and would be found in their collections. I wont review any record that's not on CD, nor will I review any record if the CD is markedly inferior. Fortunately, I only found 1 case where the CD was markedly inferior to the record.

Our first album is "Moanin" by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. We have Lee Morgan , trumpet; Benney Golson, tenor sax; Bobby Timmons, piano; Jymie merrit, bass; Art Blakey, drums.

The title tune "Moanin" is by Bobby Timmons, it conveys the emotion of the title like no other tune I've ever heard, even better than any words could ever convey. This music pictures a person whose down to his last nickel, and all he can do is "moan".

"Along Came Betty" is a tune by Benny Golson, it reminds me of a Betty I once knew. She was gorgeous with a jazzy personality, and she moved smooth and easy, just like this tune. Somebody find me a time machine! Maybe you knew a Betty.

While the rest of the music is just fine, those are my favorite tunes. Why don't you share your, "must have" jazz albums with us.

Enjoy the music.
orpheus10
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 
Frogman, Stan Getz "Voyage" is so consistent, not a bad cut.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k036P1jsdq4

Here's a cut from "Focus", which is another one of my favorite Getz LP's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAyrdlUcZIw

Getz had a long stellar career.

Enjoy the music.
frogman
7,472 posts
 
Rok, I can't think of a time that I heard something by Sonny Rollins that I didn't like. "+3" is one of his best. Sonny is one of the greatest and most influential of the modern tenor players. Miles considered him to be the greatest tenor player ever (!!!). He has a very distinctive style and an extraordinarily powerful musical persona; particularly when it comes to rhythmic feel. His sense of rhythm and projection of it is so powerful that, unlike most players who play with or to the rhythm section's groove, the rhythm section often seems to be playing to HIS groove; he is a very commanding musical force. Of special note on this record is the unusual (for him) use of fast vibrato on the ballads like "They Say Its Wonderful". You are absolutely correct in your observation that he sounds like he knew what he was going to play ahead of time. While I doubt that is the case (strictly speaking), I think what you sense is his incredible sense of confidence while still being spontaneous. While Cranshaw is a great player and, as you said, if Sonny wants electric bass who are we to argue, I am with you about electric bass in jazz in general; have never liked it. But, let's hear (read) the reasons why from the horse's mouth (so to speak):

http://jazztimes.com/articles/20314-bob-cranshaw-shop-talk
frogman
7,472 posts
 
O-10, glad you liked "Voyage"; it's a gem. "Focus" has also been a favorite of mine for a long time. It happens to be one of the very first jazz records I ever purchased, and back at a time when I really could not understand nor appreciate it; no longer. Thanks for the link.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 

The Frogman:

Nice article on the electric bass. Sometimes it seems as if the audience / fans, consider themselves more of a purist than the creators themselves. :) I am guilty.

Cheers
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Although I'm not a religious person, I can feel the sadness, and the faith in this young lady's voice when she took the problem without a solution to "Jesus". Once she told Jesus, she knew everything was going to be all right. Every time I hear her sing, "I told Jesus, he said everything was going to be all right now"; I can feel her heavy heart, and her faith in Jesus at the same time.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSkqfm73HxQ

"Salt Song" is the title of the album, and there's a picture of Stanley, facing the ocean in front of huge breaking waves. This is a fast paced number that captures the intensity of those waves breaking on the shore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVlGVZQFAEQ

"Gibralter" has a fascinating rhythm that floats my boat; Eric Gale's guitar never sounded better, and Stan is blowing his ass off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTBRiyB4KpU

Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite albums.

Enjoy the music.
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