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

@curiousjim 

I'd never heard of her so I listened to several tunes from that album.

What is it you don't like? 

@stuartk 

To me, every tune started out well, until she came in.I found her style to be slow, almost depressing and disjointed at the same time. I read a brief review that she modeled her style after Wayne Shorter and I sure don’t see it.

Thanks Jim for bringing Ms. Aldana to my attention. I think you recognized her ability even though you didn't like her playing. I will have to listen some more. I might end up agreeing with you but do find her interesting. 

I had already a ton of great sax player...

My first minute let me cold...I think as curiousjim...

But i always reacted to new stuff immediately for good or bad and rarely change my mind... I maybe unjust with some new musicians ... But sax is the most used instrument in jazz then ...

Why her instead of Ammons or Smulyan to pick just some i like among at least 15 others i like as much ?

Also i am a kind of maniac if i love a musician and it is impossible for me to listen one musician only few albums..

Generally i put 10 or 15 albums of the same musician different each day...

I dont need novelty character as much as i need looking for more about one character i love...

I am retired then i listen music all day long even when reading ... I think in silence only walking...

 

😊

If frogman say the opposite i will try an album ...

Buy this album i am not tired to listen to many times :

 

As always, it is up to you to enjoy or pass on any musician. Charlie Mariano is nothing but a badass. You can't go wrong there! Enjoy.

@jafant

Are you familiar with Ginger Baker’s "Coward of the County"?

If not and you enjoy Ron Miles, check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ginger+baker+coward+of+the+county+full+album

@curiousjim

For me, there’s not enough variation in mood, tempo, to really enjoy that Aldana album. I don’t have any issues with her playing, per se.

@acman3 

Wayne was always an angular player

.... who wrote many accessibly melodic themes the average Jazz lover could whistle. 

stuartk

Excellent! I am a big fan of Aldana, Ginger, and Shorter.

 

Happy Listening!

@acman3 

Sonny was wonderful.  I guess I will be giving her another listen.

Thanks for the link.

@acman3 

Do you have any idea what the A B C scroll is on the bottom of the Wayne Shorter, Joy Ryder video? I’ve never seen it before.

Thanks.

 

@stuartk 

I have never heard that Ginger Baker album before. It will definitely be on today’s playlist and I’m going to look for more!

Thanks.

@curiousjim 

That's a good one but the only Jazz recording of his I've heard. Let us know what you discover!  

Jim, I don't know what that is. I saw it in the original page but did not notice it travelled with the video. Hopefully nothing harmful.

 

I have found the YouTube videos of Melissa Aldana were better to me than the recording we were discussing.

"I’ll Remember April" by the Roger Ram Trio. "Roger Ram" is "Ram" Ramirez, who wrote "Lover Man." A solid jazz pianist in the Ahmad Jamal tradition. This is an RCA "Living Stereo" album that is only available for streaming from Qobuz, Amazon, Spotify and maybe some other services. I don’t know why a CD is not available. It’s a VERY swinging jazz trio album. It’s also good system test: If your system doesn’t tell you that George Duvivier on bass totally drives "I’ll Remember April," then your system isn’t telling you the right things. ;-)

Ramirez made a couple of other albums, one on RCA that is much more "easy listening," and a live album on organ that is sadly underpowered.

Incredible musician working with the great Sun Ra ..

happy 100 th birthday ...

Marshall Allen - Happy 100th !

 

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@acman3 

I’m really getting frustrated.  The dealer canceled again, so now I have no idea when or if I’m going to get a demo.🙁

Curiousjim, Did you find new speakers?

@jafant

I particularly like "Nightlife in Tokyo" but he has amassed quite a long discography. 

 

 

stuartk

Yes! Nightlife In Tokyo is excellent.  EA keeps getting better and better.

 

Happy Listening!

In the meantime , listen to this video  to understand why i put it here :

Bach Brandenburg No. 5: The concerto that defined Jazz, Prog-Rock, Metal & even some Pop formats

 

Love the Brandenburgs! Can’t pick a favorite, but there are a couple I listen to more than others.

@jafant 

I listened to Eric Alexander, Nightlife In Tokyo and really enjoyed it.

Thanks for the suggestion. 

My sister in law is visiting and last night she reintroduced me to PDQ Bach and we spent the entire evening laughing.

 Know it’s not jazz related, but the albums are fun to listen to.