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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
stuartk
3,091 posts
 

@ho249 

There are three releases by this group listed in the Penguin Guide and all are  highly rated with the one titled "Free Fall" receiving the highest possible "crown" rating. 

I'd actually never listened to them, before. I like the sound as well, but given the sparse instrumentation and lack of significant variation of tempos, can't help but wonder whether it would get a bit monotonous over the course of an entire album. I guess it would fit a certain mood. Well worth checking out, though. Creed Taylor, eh? Who would've thunk? 

pjw81563
1,829 posts
 

I like the sound as well, but given the sparse instrumentation and lack of significant variation of tempos, can't help but wonder whether it would get a bit monotonous over the course of an entire album.

ECM is a prime example of using Spotify to check out music before spending money. I have not purchased an ECM release without listening to it first in a decade. Before that my ECM purchases were 50% good and 50% disappointing.

@stuartk your quoted description of that album can be applied to a lot of the ECM releases. Some like that dull "mood music" I for one can't stand it.

stuartk
3,091 posts
 

@pjw81563 

While I'll never qualify as an ECM fan boy, I do enjoy a select few releases on that label.

It's not all on the side of the spectrum you describe. For example check out albums by Dave Holland and those by Jack DeJohnette, if you are curious. There are far more knowledgeable ECM fans who may chime in.

Not trying to "convert" you, though. Each of us likes what we like. Nothing wrong with that.

 

stuartk
3,091 posts
 

I forgot Kenny Wheeler!  

 

 

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,000 posts
 

And speaking of Ben Webster, I just got 11 CD’s from the local library. I know what I’m listening to Monday and…

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