http://www.pbs.org/newshour/businessdesk/2013/06/how-to-conduct-beethoven-and-m.html
Very interesting. There was also a segment on PBS today concerning the pay scales and job oppourtunities for classical musicians, dancers and singers in the US. I could not find it online. it's worth searching for.
Bottom line, you do it,(classical artistic stuff) because you love it, cause you sure aren't going to make any money doing it. Europe is an exception. Seems as if 50% of our best go work there.
But at least we got our RAP!!! So there!
Cheers |
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One of the most beautiful things I have heard in a while. Very distinctive tenor sound and an interpretation of this great tune that is intimate, tender, and intelligent. Charles Lloyd is without question one of the greats. Jason Moran on piano is wonderful. A great pairing. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jzcfobcXnXg |
Rok, I don't know why, but classical music instantly causes flash-backs of the movie "Clockwork Orange".
Good music is just that "Good Music", no matter what the genre. I've been hearing the name "Conway Twitty" since I can remember, but he has never been on my "playlist"; now, thanks to you, he's on my "A" playlist. Find the best and leave the rest.
Enjoy the music.
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O-10:
Very good. I like Dorothy Ashby. I listened to 'Misty' and 'House of The Rising Sun' along with the link you sent.
The harp did not sound out of place in the least. She had good players in the group also.
Music like this and you just know there are / will be, many CDs.
Some tunes / groups, you just know you are listening to what will be their entire output. I will have to get some of her stuff and read her history.
Thanks for the tip.
Jazz makes up about one third of my toatal number of CDs. So Like you, I listen to other stuff also. This thread got me back to Jazz more than I would have normally.
Today, it was, Haydn- The London Symphonies Vol 1 and the A Cappella group, The Persuasions.(A cappella soul) Both Great!
Cheers |
Rok, I like crispy fried chicken, and I also like the same kind of classic jazz as you, but I don't want either one of them every day. Here is an artist that rarely tread well worn paths in regard to her jazz, even her instrument of choice, jazz harp was a bit unusual. Along with Alice Coltrane, Dorothy Ashby extended the popularization of jazz harp past a novelty, showing how the instrument can be utilized seamlessly as much a bebop instrument as the saxophone. Her albums were of the jazz genre, but often moved into R&B, world and other musics, especially on her 1970 album The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby, where she demonstrates her talents on another instrument, the Japanese koto, successfully integrating it into jazz. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY8k9sFZNwAEnjoy the music. |
Olatunji: Now that's a blast from the past. I have that tune on his 'Drums of Passion' CD.
I listened to him back in my Dylan, Baez, Saint-marie, (the young have all the answers) Phase.
The drumming is good. I just get tired, and quickly, of the repetitive chant. Esp since I have not a clue as to what he is saying.
Cheers |
Normally I own all the CDs I 'review'. These are exceptions. But not for long. High quality Video, Audio and Performances.
I recommend anything by Bebo Valdes. I Discovered Diego El Cigala thru BBC music magazine article. He and Bebo are awesome together, as is Bebo and Chucho Valdes. These guys are 'serious' musicians. No jeans with holes in the knees here. Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJGPlSrbUbg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzKhwmFq6jM
Cheers |
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I can't turn my back for five minutes, and you guys are right back in that third world stuff. I thought you had all been converted to the real deal. Remember, it don't mean a thing, if.........
Looking for Religion? May i suggest this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOU38qRJPok
Cheers |
Rok, you asked me what kind of music I liked besides jazz, well occasionally I get religion and want to go to Saturday Night Church; this is what it's all about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9W3PcsjFBoEnjoy the music. |
Just noticed someone mentioned the tune "Angel Eyes" a couple of days ago. For all those who have not heard it, you MUST listen to Ella's rendition of this on her 40th Birthday Concert album, which was recorded live in Rome. Fantastic album, by the way, one of her very best, and that tune is one of the highlights of it. |
Frogman, "Bengal And Beyond", including the sax works for me. Afro Cuban is just another one of the many fusions that work with jazz. On this tune I like the jazzy vocalizing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUFqUur7bZgNow let us compare "Bengal And Beyond" to the Dave Brubeck Quartet from the album "Jazz Impressions of Eurasia" doing Calcutta Blues. I'm comparing the fusion of jazz with Indian music and how well it works. At the same time I'm illustrating what was done by a master, long before "Bengal And Beyond" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qNlHh4FiZoEnjoy the music. |
OK, since you opened the door with the 'Bengal Jazz' clip, here's one by the outstanding NY Gypsy All-Stars. Probably not going to float everybody's boat, but give it a chance. It's great stuff!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p66kffsA_mQ&feature=player_detailpage
Listening to them led me to this band featuring 2 of it's members in a different setting/group; The Secret Trio. I love this record!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBNGLSLwjbA&feature=player_detailpage |
Orpheus10, thanks for the link to the Radhakrishnan link. I enjoy the fusion of ethnic music within a jazz setting (jazz quartet). However, I find Bengal-jazz fusion to be generally less successful than, for instance, Afro-Cuban jazz. This particular example, while pleasant and competent, never really takes off for me. Likewise, the saxophone playing is not particularly inspired. The tone is not as well developed as that of most good jazz players and is consistently flat in pitch. Overall, the feeling that I am left with is that of a better university music school jazz quartet recital.
Glad you enjoyed (with reservations) the Bronislaw Kaper solo piano recommendation. Give it more of a chance, the positives (personal and insightful interpretations as only a composer can) transcend the minimalist setting.
Regards. |
Recent Arrival:
Freddie Hubbard & Jimmy heath
JAM GEMS - "LIVE" AT THE LEFT BANK
Great Live recording. You know the audience is there, but it adds to the peformance. The sound is, as if you are sitting in the crowd. Might not be to 'audiophile' taste. Jazz lovers should love it. I think it was recorded by a Jazz Society in Baltimore.
Excellent liner notes, that even address why some folks just can't let go of the OLD stuff. Includes me.
Doc Pomus is quoted, explaining the difference between a studio record and a "LIVE" performance from the musicians perspective.. Very interesting.
The playing is just awesome. The tune 'Bluesville' almost approaches 'Hog Calling Blues'. Not quite, but that type of tune. You could say, 'they turned the joint out.' It was a true Jam Session, as the title states.
The rhythm section is not known to me, but they hung with the horns. All the tunes are long. 'Autumn Leaves' goes 17 minutes. Check it out.
Highly Recommended.
Cheers |
O-10, I like the Prasant. First thing I hear is the good tone. They are playing in a different dialect of the Jazz language. I will have to listen some more. Regarding pianist, I like to hear them in both settings. The group interaction is always of interest to me. Not just their solo's, but what do they add to the others. I also am interested in how they play when they have to carry everything on their own. Different ways of listening and playing. One Saxophonist I followed and lost track of, is Craig Handy. I will have to see what he is doing today. Saw him with Herbie around this time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKlFv0mhi3s |
Leersfool, this version of "On Green Dolphin Street" has to be my favorite. Bill Evans "intro" on piano is what sets this version off from so many others, and of course Miles and Cannonball are really beautiful as well; but it's still Bill Evans piano that takes it away. It's amazing how just one song can take you down so many very interesting paths; from Bronislaw Kaper, to Miles Davis. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrVnm66joQkEnjoy the music. |
Isochronism, your recommendation "Angel Eyes" by Jimmy Smith is a real winner. Like good wine, he's improved with age. His ability to plumb the musical depths of these standards, plus the very skillful use of excellent sidemen, made up for the lack of "fireworks" I've always associated with "Jimmy Smith".
While the names of some of the sidemen were new to me, I'll look for them in the future.
Enjoy the music.
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Am I the only person who finds it difficult to appreciate "solo" piano; where's the bass, where's the saxophone, where's the something besides a lone piano. No reflection on the music or the artist, but a personal observation of my perception of music; I need a combination of instruments.
While it's been nice to hear Kaper's music played on solo piano by Kaper, this listener requires a band in order for the music to project a wide range of emotions, and get me involved.
Enjoy the music.
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Speaking of famous solos:
Would anyone care to comment on Paul Gonsalves' 'Interlude' :) on 'Diminuendo in Blue and Crescendo in Blue'? Ellington at Newport.
I will assume we all have this! If not, turn in your Jazz Aficionado membership Card.
Cheers |
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Leersfool, you've already caused this jazz aficionado to purchase "The Film Music of Bronislaw Kaper", on solo piano. While the music is good it's not recommended for one reason only; when one person on piano has to project such a wide range of emotions, he has to use dynamic range and nuance like you wouldn't believe, this music only sounds good on my "He man" rig.
I'm enjoying the way you're introducing us to new music, and elements of music that I never observed before. Your contributions are invaluable, and I appreciate them.
Enjoy the music.
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Rok, you open up a whole new discussion when you bring up film music. Definitely the most underrated aspect of film to the general audiences. Music has made the difference in so many great films. Some filmmakers even liked to have the music written first, and then build their scenes around it. A favorite example of this for me is Sergio Leone's Once Upon A Time In The West. The use of the music in that film is genius. But, we shouldn't hijack a jazz thread talking about that, so I'll shut up now. |
Call and response. I should have said that. Considering how much Gospel I have heard in my life.
Thanks for your input.
Cheers |
Speaking of great music. Currently watching 'HIGH NOON'. What would that movie be without the soundtrack. Just good, not great. Great commentary on human reaction to fear and pressure.
Cheers |
****I felt the trumpet was 'commenting' on the lyrics of the song, or, talking to a seperate audience as DR John was telling his story.****
That's a great way of putting. "Call and response": We're saying the same thing.
From Wiki:
++++In music, a call and response is a succession of two distinct phrases usually played by different musicians, where the second phrase is heard as a direct commentary on or response to the first. It corresponds to the call-and-response pattern in human communication and is found as a basic element of musical form, such as verse-chorus form, in many traditions.++++
Wow is right! |
I felt the trumpet was 'commenting' on the lyrics of the song, or, talking to a seperate audience as DR John was telling his story.
Simple playing, but taken in context, it is awesome!! The inflections spoke of 'outrage' or 'are you kidding me?'
Probably just me. I love it. Cranked up in my car, wow!
Reminds me in a way of Marsalis on Layla. Simple but wow!
Cheers |
I am no monkey, but I will speak my mind about the Dr. John cut anyway :-)
In typical Dr. John fashion, amazing groove. And what a voice! Hard to believe, but as he gets older his voice drips more and more funk; it's almost scary. The band is smoking. Simple, repetitive playing, but grooving like there's no tomorrow in order to feature Dr. John's "from the gut" singing and Nicholas Payton's trumpet in great "call and response" interplay. I love the use of handclaps as percussion; somehow seems appropriate for a song about monkeys speaking to each other.
What I find most interesting about the song is how a fun and infectious groove can be married to lyrics with a strong social-conscious message. And what a message. Great stuff! |
Rok, you got it as soon as I hear it. |
O-10:
I liked the Blakey cut from the Drum CD. I have that on LP, but I will now have to get it on CD, Seems like everytime you post, it costs me money.
What other music do you listen to besides Jazz? And will someone pleeaassseee comment on Dr John's 'The Monkey Speaks His Mind' I have mentioned it several times over the months, to total silence.
Cheers |
Thanks for all the info on Cuban bass, Players and technique. Sort of like what The Frogman said about Mariachi trumpet, the Bass playing readily identifies Cuban Music. Or at least some types of Cuban Music.
I have the Cachao 'Master Sessions vol one' CD. I will have to give it a listen today.
Cheers |
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Excellent post Chazro.
****Does the Bass, the instrument, have any special place in Cuban music as compared to other Latin music??**** -Rok
One of the most distinctive and unique aspects of bass playing in Cuban music as opposed to, say, Brazilian music is that the bass rarely plays on beat one (!). Think about it. Beat one is the musical arrival point of a measure, a basic building block of any music's structure. In Cuban music the feeling of rhythmic arrival to the beginning of a measure is implied by the bass line, as opposed to actually having a note right on that beat; the bass note on beat one is held over from the previous beat (four). That is a key reason for the music's amazing swagger. |
Although Conway Twitty has never been on my radar as a jazz aficionado, he sure sounds good on "Rainy Night In Georgia". Good music is undeniable, regardless of the genre, and that's very good music.
Enjoy the music.
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"Does the Bass, the instrument, have any special place in Cuban music as compared to other Latin music??"
Considered one of the original fathers of Cuban Descarga (Jam) is Israel 'Cachao' Lopez. This legendary Cuban bass player's been actively recording since the 50's. An interesting twist to his tale was that although considered a giant amongst musicians, he was largely unknown to the public. During the 90's, actor Andy Garcia found him in S. Fl. playing weddings and quinceneras (Cuban sweet 15 parties). He arranged a project for Lopez that resulted in the '2nd coming' of Cachao; the highly recommended 'Master Sessions - Vol. I & II'. The Lopez family is musical royalty in Cuba. Israel 'Cachao' Lopez is uncle to Orlando 'Cachaito' Lopez, another legendary Cuban bass player, featured prominently in The Buena Vista Social Club. Interestingly enough, he's only recorded one self-titled solo record that's a total departure from his work with the BVSC in that it features (small doses) of Electronica & Cuban Dub music. One of my favorite Latin Jazz records! ANOTHER Cuban bass dynasty in the making features Carlos Del Puerto, the original bassist for the legendary Irakere (the band founded by, amongst others, Paquito D'Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, & Chucho Valdes), and his son; Carlitos Del Puerto, one of the busiest bassist/musicians currently on the Cuban scene! I could go on about how the bass-playing in Cuban/Latin music's not only melodic but has a unique percussive aspect that I find especially delightful but I've gone on for a bit too long already!;) I'll return you to yr regularly scheduled programming now. |
A great song off of a great CD. 'The weight' and 'Patches' are two more gotta listen to..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAA_LUCb0QE&list=PL14CE19C53F9D9B06&index=6
Cheers |
Although I heard strains of Spain, Mexico, and Cuba in the music, I find it interesting how many people like to lump them under "Latin" music, I don't. While the music originated in Spain, it took on it's own unique identity once it reached this hemisphere. There are too many distinct types of African music for me to identify, but it's just as well because from what I've heard, it's best blended with music from other lands, although African drumming can be quite compelling; especially when utilized by Diz or Blakey. Afro Cuban has achieved that just right blend of the two for me. Here's that compelling drumming as utilized by Blakey, this makes you want to go native. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnaD9gU9N80 |
Today's Music:
Afrocubism -- Afrocubism
Cuban and Malian Musicians. Think of Ali Farka Toure and Buena Vista Social Club playing together.
Sometimes it hard to sepeate the African from the Cuban.
Features, what has to be, the entire Diabate family and Elidas Ochoa on guitar and vocals. Jose Angel Martinez on Double Bass. Chorus vocals done by Cuban and Malians.
Seems as if Mali and Cuba have a history. Musicians from Mali, after independence, went to Music schools in Cuba.
I liked the 'Cuban' music the best. The Mali music was good, but in places, exhibited that repetitive 'sameness' common to a lot of Toure's music. A little goes a long way. But the entire set is well integrated. Excellent recording.
All in all a good session. 'Al Vaiven De Mi Carreta' was my favorite. Ochoa sings on this one. One measure and you know it's Cuban.
Does the Bass, the instrument, have any special place in Cuban music as compared to other Latin music??
The link is to a short documentary thingy made in the studio. Interesting. The music from the CD is on youtube also.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDe47kNWsYE
Cheers |
That Ink Spots cut was amazing! Talk about skill; simply beautiful singing. Oh yeah, and then there's all the "little" things that seem to elude a lot of singers today like sheer entertainment factor, lack of pretense, connection with an audience. Nothing "edgy" about a performance like that, but so much sincerity in the song's simplicity. Thanks. |
Thanks O-10. Happy Father's Day to All!!
Every Sunday here, is Big Band Sunday, on the local PBS FM station. Here is an example of the stuff they play. All day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAinKGJZ8YE
I love this stuff. Try and youtube 'I don't want to set the World on fire'. Great stuff! And check out all the links that show up the side. Esp Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers.
Cheers |
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Not Jazz, but you gotta dig that trumpet playing. Great song also. CD sounds better, but you will get the idea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWUb5AR7W8M
the entire Cd is killer.
Cheers |
Yeah, it's a title disappointing in that regard. As good and authentic (duh!) as the rhythm section sounds playing that style, there is a little bit of a "on automatic pilot" feeling. But, Cannonball plays his ass off on those beautiful melodies, and being a saxophone geek, I love that record. |
Cannonball is great on the Bossa Nova CD. And you are right, it's all about him. On my CD, you can hardly hear Sergio Mendes' piano.
I have noticed that happens alot. Most recently with Red Garland and Sun Ra. The piano just seems to be too far in the background.
Even Mingus on 'hog calling blues' was sort of faint, but then again, maybe that's what makes it such a great cut. You have to listen for it.
Cheers |
I may sell my Polk speakers, and buy some beach front property in Rio.
Cheers |
The Frogman:
I have the Cannonball Bossa Nova CD with sergio. I will check it out. This could bring on the dreaded 'review' !!
I listened to Senhorita Regina twice. The first time, my brain was oblivious to any of the senses, other than the sense of sight. What a beauty.
I listened the second time to hear the music. Her personality just comes thru. very very good.
Thanks for the info.
Cheers |
Rok, no question Brazilian singers are uniquely wonderful; in no small part because women Brazil are uniquely wonderful. There is something about the sound and rhythm of the language (in Brazil, not so much in Portugal) that does it for me. I could get carried away with that one, but I should stop; my wife reads these threads once in a long while :-) You mentioned Sergio Mendes. This is one of my very favorite records. Cannonball with the Bossa Rio Sextet (Sergio Mendes on piano). The session is all about Cannonball; he sounds incredible on those Brazilian tunes: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pWMjF4UMYYcAs far as Brazilian female singers go, Elis will always be my favorite. There is something about her that I have never been able to put my finger on. Not a particularly great voice, a little out of tune sometimes; but, soulful as hell with a great sexy feeling in the way she sings. Check out the "break" at 1:10. Amazing! http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bGbKHHqtsJE |
Today's Trip:
Dexter Gordon -- One Flight Up
with/ Donald Byrd, Kenny Drew, Art Taylor, Niels-Henning Orsted
Recorded in paris in 1964. All the players except the Dane, Orsted, were American expatriates living and playing in Europe.
The playing is exceptionally enjoyable. Only four tracks, so the soloist can really stretch out and take the time to state their case. All the music is mid-tempo and very lyrical. The Frogman would have a field day breaking down these solos.
Makes me wonder that maybe a lot of other Recorded Jazz was too much, crammed into too little time and space.
The liner notes were written by Leonard Feather. His style is what I would call Frogmanesque. Sort of technical, but very interesting.
There are a few statements in the liner notes that irritated me. The players say that European audiences had a very special insight into Jazz. After all that goose stepping, I find that hard to believe. And that the place was "almost completely free or racial prejudeice". I guess they had not heard of World War Two.
The cover photo is one of the most interesting in Jazz. Which is another thing we have lost, the Great Blue Note black & white photos. Just as audiophiles have lost the great cartoons of Rodriquez.
All in All, a very good session. Highly Recommended.
Cheers |
