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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
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
****Society, especially here in the US, values the arts less and less******

This is true, but, the U.S. Art world is not blameless for this being the case.

Cheers
frogman
7,472 posts
 
****comments like this just encourage him.****

I don't think he needs encouragement, nor do I want to take on that role, but I think that kind of perspective is sorely missing in these discussions.

****you should always carry a card with the phone number of the New York Philharmonic, ****

Well, actually, I do; but, not for that reason.

****let the String section of the NYP not show up for work, and then let the gabarge collectors not show up for work!! See which wheel gets the grease.****

You might be surprised. You can look look up the numbers, but if memory serves, the recent sanitation worker's strikes in NYC lasted considerably longer than the most recent musicians strike, and one that I was involved with, the Broadway musicians strike . Now, I realize you referred to a NYP strike, but keep an eye on the Met Opera's labor/ management issues being dukes out as we "speak"; you just may have an answer very soon; unfortunately.

****Can feel and intuition in music ever be programed?**** - Acman3

Of course not!

****That is, to reconcile what you can do, with, what's in your head. In the book a lot of guys wished they could play what was in their heads.

I don't think I understand that statement. If you can think it or visualize it, what's to keep you from playing it. We are speaking of professional players, of course. Is it a physical thing?****

Remember that old favorite term of yours (mine)? "nuts and bolts" . What it takes to be able to execute what is in a musician's head: impossible to describe dedication, commitment, and years (life-long) of practice; and why they are underpaid. And, BTW, this does not apply only to jazz musicians. A classical player may have a perfectly clear idea of the tone he wants to produce, but there is no substitute for the practice.

****Check out his dress. Does not have anything to do with his playing, but it sure does look disrespectful. ****

I know Metheny; we went to the same conservatory. I assure you that lack of respect for the music or his elders is the last thing he is guilty of.

****This is true, but, the U.S. Art world is not blameless for this being the case.****

Now, things are getting interesting!
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Today's Listen:

Roland Kirk -- DOMINO
w/herbie hancock,andrew hill,wynton kelly,roy hanes

This guy is one heck of a Saxophone player. As wonderful as his antics are, he is much more than that.

25 Tracks. A lot of multi takes. Including something called a 'breakdown take'. But all are wonderful. A little chatter after each take. I love that. The last tune, "Time Races with Emit", is 22 seconds in length. hahah You gotta love this guy.

Nice shots of notes on the muscial scores. I think I would enjoy watching these guys rehearse as much as seeing them perform. They say some funny stuff.

Cheers
hitiforhit's avatar
hitiforhit
8 posts
 
Forgive me if someone before covered these, I tried to read through most of the posts. I'm new here, but like to get other ideas about albums I may have missed or never heard. I like posts like this one, so I'll throw two out there for you guys/girls.

In reference to Julie London Foster, who I haven't listened to closely until after this post, and I agree is an amazing american signer. I'd like to suggest another american singer who I think is equally as good but in the other direction of Jazz. She's maybe a little more grimy, and maybe the recordings aren't as crisp as Julie London, but they are alive and breathtaking.

Nina Simone-Pastel Blues

And one more that I was surprised I never heard about until a D.J. last year was playing it in the record store.

Johnny Dyani-Witchdoctor's Son
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Jazz groups are the one category we've only lightly touched on. While everyone is familiar with Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross; how about Lambert, Hendricks, and Bavan, with Clark Terry, and Coleman Hawkins. Here is "Sack Of Woe" by them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=--dBgh8Y52Y

New York Voices is another group I like; here's "Stolen Moments", an Oliver Nelson tune, they do very well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP6mX_HtgGI

Manhattan Transfer is another fine group; lets take a trip on "Route 66"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQwb4SpNuKo

There are many new groups that I'm not familiar with. Tell us about your favorite groups, or other tunes by these groups.

Enjoy the music.
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