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

Rok, you can enjoy and appreciate the musicians in our book if you just stick with one group for awhile. Right now I'm into Roach and Brown primarily for "Richie Powell", who was Bud Powell's younger brother. He didn't live long enough to record on his own, consequently you have to listen to him with Roach and Brown which isn't a bad deal.

Miles said Roach was never quite the same after Brown died, and I agree; at any rate I'm really enjoying what I can find on you tube with Roach, Brown and Powell.

Enjoy the music.
I have the CD 'At Basin Street' and 'Plus Four'. Listening to Basin Street now. Thanks for all the info in your posts. Here is the review from Amazon.

Amazon.com
"The Clifford Brown-Max Roach quintet was already one of the best in modern jazz, but when they added Sonny Rollins to the fray in late 1955, it became a lineup for the ages. Basin Street, recorded in early 1956, marks the studio debut of Rollins with the band, and the result is a supercharged highlight of the postbop era. The three furiously paced standards that kick off the set feature superb blowing and crafty arrangements that offer spontaneous intros and rhythmic shifts. Of special note are the contributions of pianist Richie Powell, Bud's younger brother, who not only adds three excellent compositions (the intricate "Powell's Prances," the poignant "Time," and the irresistibly catchy "Gertrude's Bounce"), but also proves himself to be a standout soloist and accompanist. Of course, Brown's bright tone and remarkably fluid ideas are in full bloom as well. Sadly, the quintet would record only once more (Plus 4, issued under Rollins's name) before the June 1956 accident that claimed the lives of Brown and Powell." --Marc Greilsamer

Cheers
Clifford Brown was killed in 56, not 55. I got that wrong because my cousin had a 55 Chevie, and I remember it as new, but it was a year old. We were cruisin Chicago in the Summer time like it was new when that accident involving Clifford, Richie, and Richard's wife occurred. That was a sad time because my cousin bought every Roach and Brown record as soon as it hit the record store.

Rok, some of these "100 Best Jazz Tunes of The 1950's" sound better than my recordings, and that includes vinyl, although I'll have to split hairs on the vinyl, and if it's necessary to go back and forth to decide; that means the CD's are better when you take all things into consideration.

Enjoy the music.
*****Branford Marsalis is the only famous jazz musician I can recall with an Audiophile rig, and his wasn't anywhere near the rigs these people have here. What does that say about audiophile rigs, and professional jazz musicians?****

It might say that, they know how LIVE sounds, and that no system sounds LIVE, so why not get, a pleasant to listen to, modest system, that does not sound LIVE, as oppposed to getting a mega-buck system, that does not sound LIVE. Unless of course, the mega-buck system sounds mo'better not LIVE!

I remember those articles from 'Stereo Review' back in the day. I was amazed that my Sansui Based system was the equal of most of the system's of the professionals.

I decided that, if a real Jazz player could be happy with a Receiver and Mini Advent speakers, why couldn't I??

Cheers