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

 

@stuartk, just about any Jackie McLean recording is an example of his tendency to play very sharp. I’m in no way suggesting that this is a deal breaker for me, nor that it should be for anyone else. It is just that I personally find it annoying at times. He was a great hard bop player who had a lot to say musically. Some listeners are more sensitive to, or concerned about intonation issues than others.

In answer to your question, just about any of his recordings are good examples of what I refer to. This is the first one that came up when I searched Jackie Mac on YouTube. He is very sharp. Notice how, on the first tune, the piano (as usual) sets a pitch (intonation) baseline. Jackie comes in and he is on a different pitch “plane” than that established by the piano. Notice how when Bill Hardman comes in on trumpet after Jackie plays how there is a sense of relaxation because his general pitch falls back in line with that of the piano. Jackie’s is considerably higher. This creates a sense of tension that is musically uncomfortable (for me). There are many references on line to this tendency of Jackie’s if you search “Jackie McLean intonation sharp”.

https://youtu.be/B373SM8Y-aU

My point about Dolphy was that, for me, Dolphy’s manipulation of pitch was deliberate and an expressive technique. Also, he often played “outside” the harmony of the tune. This can be confused with playing out of tune because of the dissonance that playing outside any given chord’ s harmonic envelop creates. Two different things entirely.

On the subject of Woody Shaw. I have posted this at least twice before. One of my favorite records with some of my favorite Woody Shaw.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nqeyHFph6j7oela51Da3lb7b-OemqwN6M

Have you pick that in the penguin book?

I even never read his name but it seems promising , thanks.. 😊

 

J.R. Monterose,   Live At The Tender Trap.   

I am a big Jackie McLean fan. 4 of his albums are on my desert island list and I believe every jazz aficionado should have these 4 in their collection. Here they are in order of their respective recording date.

Bluesnik 1961

Let Freedom Ring 1962

One Step Beyond 1963 (April)

Destination Out! 1963 (September)

That being said I myself can hear the slightly (to my ears) sharper pitch McLeans alto sounds then many of the other alto greats. It is reasonable to say that if I had a long career in music playing in a music ensemble, small or large, jazz or classical, this subtly sharper playing would become more of an annoyance especially if it is not in harmony with the melodic chords the rest of the band is playing.

A small jazz ensemble comparison example showcasing the alto saxophones of McLean followed by Phil Woods:

(1) I’ll Keep Loving You (Rudy Van Gelder Edition; 2003 Digital Remaster; 24 Bit Mastering) - YouTube

(1) Be My Love - YouTube