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
O-10:

Glad you are enjoying the '100 greatest' set. I keep mine handy on the desk, because I listen to at least one disc everyday. I like the element of surprise as to what's next.

I saw Lou Rawls live in Baltimore, back in the day. I read where he had the third most recognizable voice on the planet. After Howard Cosell and Muhammad Ali. How do they determine this stuff? :)

Cheers
Today's Gems:

Ella Fitzgerald -- ELLA IN ROME - THE BIRTHDAY CONCERT

Recorded in Rome on Ella's 40th birthday.April 25 1958.
All standards. 18 tunes. No filler, but how can anything by Ella be considered filler.

The Italians are very enthusiastic and appreciative. Some great singing here. 'Midnight Sun', which she owns, the best 'that old black magic' since Louie Prima and Keely Smith, and a great 'Carvan'.

I have concluded that this woman does not sing, she 'plays voice'.

The last tune was 'stompin' at the savoy'. She was backed by Oscar Peterson and his group on this one. Great tune to close with.

She verbally 'introduced' Oscar's solo, while singing the song. Never missed a beat! She just made the words part of the song. Amazing.

It's Ella in her prime. Enough said. If you don't know what that means, Git outta Jazz!!!

Cheers
Today's other Gem:

Willis Jackson -- BAR WARS

Jackson(ts), Charles Earland(o), Pat Martino(g), Idris Muhammad(d), Buddy Caldwell(congas)

WOW! Honking Tenor and Screaming B-3, with Pat Martino with them every note of the way. This is just great happy music fit for a good happin' bar. Reminds me of a group I used to listen to in Binghamton, NY.

If you are not up and dancing around on 'The Goose Is Loose', Check your pulse, you may be deceased! I thought we were about to have a 'hog calling blues' event. or at least a Gonsalves 'interval' thingy.

Pat Martino is the real deal.

I would say you gotta have it, but the only one on Amazon is from 'these sellers' and they are asking $230!!

This could be the most valuable CD I own!! :)

Cheers
We have a winner. The latest recipient of the "Labotomy Award" is Acman3. Congratulations!