I have read of it somewhere.(Lulu) Most likely in one of the music magazines I buy. I didn't pay it much mind. I havee noticed that all opera seems to be getting 'modern' in appearance. Wardrobes etc.....
I decided that when it comes to Opera, it's better to buy DVDs than CDs. The Aural and the Visual are both just too vital to getting the impact and meaning of the performance.
I will find a way to hear/see it.
Cheers
You realize, 'mind bending' can be good or very bad! :) |
Frogman you have good taste,Pepper Adams is a wonderful musician and I have numerous recordings with him as leader and sideman.I also love his utilization of the lower register of the majestic baritone sax. Gerry Mulligan is equally accomplished with a different approach. "Night Lights" which features prominently Art Farmer is beautiful, these two were excellent together.
The Ray Charles -Milt Jackson collaboration mentioned earlier is very good.
Regards, |
****Hard to understand music, is better than nothing to understand.****
Exactly.
Perhaps for a different thread, but apropos your comment, and knowing you are also a fan of classical and opera, have you tried Alban Berg's operas (Wozzeck, Lulu)? Very difficult to understand, but fabulous mind-bending music. |
I am still listening to the Brackeen youtube thingy. Lord, she is good. I hope I can hear the point you made, about around 4:30.
Cheers
she does need a new hairdo. |
Hamiett Bluiett -- What does one say? I have several WSQ CDs and he is part of that group.
On the tune you sent, It was not too bad, because I knew it was 'a night in tunisia'. While he was playing his thing, I had the melody going on in my head. Like he was soloing over my tthoughts. That made it all a little easier to follow. His skill on the horn is not in question!
I know I bash these free Jazz folks alot, but at least they are in the arena doing something. They deserve credit for that. Hard to understand music, is better than nothing to understand.
Cheers
Thanks for the posts. |
Gary Smulyan, now this is the most exciting of all to me, because you say he is of the younger generation. Hell, this could have been Person / McDuff!! I liked it very much. Not the most complex / involving music, but I had no idea anyone was still playing in this vein. Maybe I will finally get to buy music by people still recording and still alive!!
I liked the play on words 'Smul's Paradise' cute.
Cheers |
Agree about Gomez; also very good in that respect. I meant to mention that in my post re the a Brackeen cut. Actually, it is generally harder to play the saxophones in the extreme upper range. Many modern players today consider it a testament to their ability on the instrument to play in the upper range; so they go there way too often IMO, at the expense of tastefulness. You will hear a lot of modern jazz players, and especially pop-jazz (aargh!) players play in the "altissimo" register. I think Pepper exploited the bottom of the horn as a statement about "tradition" and resistance to gimmicks; IMO. |
Well, 'The Cooker' was certainly aptly named. They were really cooking! I love stuff that moves right along. I had forgotten that george Benson was a very good Jazz player at one time. Now I will have to inflict a Benson 'review' on you all.
The sax playing was very good also. You nailed it, a FUN disc.!!
Cheers |
Frogman:
Very good Pepper Adams. I get what you said about the bass playing. I though Gomez' intonation on the Brackeen CD was good also. That's why I liked it, just didn't know how to describe it.
Is it harder to play the sax in the lower range?
I had to lol at the last note of the Pepper tune! Now on to the others.
Cheers |
This post is about the big boy of the saxophone family (we'll skip the bass saxophone; for now), the baritone saxophone. Pepper Adams, appropriately nicknamed "The Knife" by Stan Kenton, probably the greatest of the great baritone saxophonists. I particularly like how he uses the extreme bottom of the instrument. While it may seem an obvious thing to do, many more modern players have a tendency to play in the extreme upper range of the instrument (the tenor saxophone range), Pepper loved the bottom of the horn. Of special note on this recording ("The Master"; probably his best) is George Mraz's bass playing. What a beautiful bass player! Notice the fabulous definition and intonation of what he plays. Too often, and in part due to the instrument's fret-less nature, even the great players play with less than perfect intonation and definition, especially in up-tempos. His lines are like melodies that can be easily followed. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m-q01aPQ8J0Ronnie Cuber is another great baritone saxophonist in a more modern bag who can be heard on many pop recordings (Steely Dan, Stuff, SNL) but who is a bebopper at heart. Some of his best work was as part of George Benson's Cookbook. A really fun record: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SLG2ssX2oto&feature=plppGary Smulyan is probably the most prominent young(er) baritone saxophonist on the scene today. Member of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, he filled Pepper's shoes; and what shoes they were. A great player: http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=plpp&v=lGfYkNgCshANow for something different. World Saxophone Qt. member Hamiett Bluiett is an acquired taste: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2UOjiIXyVNM |
Good comments, Rok. Agree with your assessment of the Canadian Brass recording; great brass players, but don't have the necessary feel and looseness for that music. The Oscar Brown Jr. recording is definitely a classic; I've always wondered why his recordings don't get more attention. Brackeen does indeed play great piano; although I have always been mixed about her playing. To me, she is, in some ways, one of the most beautiful pianists, but with a not completely convincing swing feel. This live recording is a perfect example of what I mean. She plays in a gorgeous rhapsodic style and uses the keyboard almost like an orchestra with her use of dense harmonies and textures with great flow and shape, but at around 4:30 when she goes into a double time swing feel things fall apart for me; too stiff and rushed. Still, beautiful playing. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=n3mTrBHRQPA |
Today's Playlist:
'The Jazz Soul of Porgy & Bess'
arranged and conducted by Bill Potts
Big Band take on the Gershwin Opera. No Vocals.
w/ Harry Edison, Art Framer, Zoot Sims, Bill Evans and others.
With this lineup of players, the playing is of course outstanding. I guess I missed the singing.
Canadian Brass -- Basin street
The songs on this CD should have qualified this CD as one of the best examples of New Orleans Jazz. All the great classic tunes are here. Not Close, no cigar.
World class brass players, but they didn't get the essence of the music. Maybe, what's missing is a rhythm section, or a clarinet. Or maybe they were just missing Louis!
I also have a Christmas CD by these guys. It was a disappointment also.
Joanne Brackeen -- Where Legends Dwell
w/Eddie Gomez and Jack De Johnette
Brackeen plays great piano. All tunes written by her. Eddie Gomez is a monster on Bass. I am not sure if this is her best work. I understand she also has a Maybeck Recital Hall CD. I will love to hear her on that one.
Oscar Brown Jr. -- Sin & Soul
A classic. Everyone has to have this one. Great song writing. Not a weak track. 'Rags and Old Iron' is one of the great songs. Lots of social commentary in the songs. And lots of humor also. Ain't got it? Git it!!
Cheers |
O-10:
Ref 'Trio Tres Bien' -- Nice music. As you said, sort of hard to stop listening once you start. I heard it all the way through.
One thing that sort of spoiled it for me was the packaging. Seems sort of amateurish.
A player should never have his picture on a Jazz Cd sitting at a portable electronic keyboard. Or holding a snare drum. They appear to be a group for local functions, weddings, birtdays etc.....
I could not get this outta my mind as I listened. Took away a little from the music.
But, they can play.
Cheers |
Pnmeyer:
I don't have the 'Awakening' by Jamal. I will have to find a way to listen to bits of it. I do have several of his CDs, that you have just put me in the mood to listen to.
Glad you liked Scott.
Cheers |
Acman3:
Glad you liked the mellow fellows. I listened to 'Town Hall Concert' Today. It's a great CD. A sad reminder of what a great loss Eric Dolphy was.
You are correct about Mingus being on the edge as a composer, but his groups were always very well rehearsed. I could always follow his music. His music never sounds arbitrary or without direction. 'Mingus At Antibes' is my favorite.
Cheers |
Etta Jones, one of my favorite singers, was never married to Houston Person, although they had a very strong musical bond and friendship.
I bought "Don't Go To Strangers" in 66, and it has many personal memories, I still have that LP plus a new one.
Rok, I'm still waiting for your comments on "Soul Brothers/ Soul Meeting" with Ray Charles and Milt Jackson, as well as the Trio Trebien.
Enjoy the music. |
Rok,
My copy of Jimmy Scott's "All the Way" arrived today. Sounds great. I liked it so much, I ordered a couple more of his CDs.
Another recommendation for folks haven't heard it-Ahmad Jamal Trio, "The Awakening" |
Acman3:
I was just kidding about the thread hijack thingy. Just messin' with the Frogman. After all, I am the Last person on this site to complain about hijacking a thread. I used to do it all the time. But only to those that needed to be hijacked. :)
I just pulled out my CD of Mingus' 'Town Hall Concert'. Will listen and give you my thoughts tomorrow. Thanks for mentioning what you are listening to. I am listening to a lot more Jazz since this thread was started.
BTW, did you know Etta Jones was / is married to Houston Person? Person just has to be the most underrated and under known player in all of Jazzdom! I have him on the CD 'Jazz in an R&B Groove, vol 1' One of the most enjoyable Jazz Cds ever!
Cheers |
Rok, No intention of a thread hijack, please look at it as a small supplement.
I have been enjoying your lists. Even ordered and am listening to the Mellow Fellows, on vinyl. Very good indeed.
I stumbled across Etta Jones by way of the great Houston Persons, and agree she is wonderful.
Walter Davis? I need to pick some more of his work up.
Mingus "Town Hall Concert" ; Listen to what Byard is doing to create tension. Mingus as a composer was on the EDGE too! |
Frogman:
Firstly, I was stunned into speechlessness!! The thread has apparently been highjacked by entrepreneurs engaged in the manufacture of silk purses!
Also:
A certain FRAU, has decreed, that weekends will be reserved for listening to 'Hits from the Fatherland'! So I have been jamming to the three B's. Beethoven, Bach and Brahmns. So I am behind in my 'Reviews".
The thingy on Jaco was interesting. I wonder why Jazz of all genres arouses such controversy.
Cheers |
Rok, your silence is deafening ;-) |
Thanks for sharing this track, Acman3.
I like it! |
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Vic is da' man!! One heck of a nice guy, I agree!!!
Learsfool, that must have been great!!
John McLaughlin "Belo Horizonte"
I like all of his stuff, but this is a gem! |
Victor Wooten is indeed an incredible electric bass player - the best I have ever heard, by quite a large margin. His work on all the Bela Fleck and the Flecktones stuff is great, too. Met him once, a very nice guy. Saw the Flecktones live in the early 90's, and Victor was a close friend of a friend. He came and sat in my friend's lap during the middle of the show (who was also a bass player, though mostly a classical one), started laying down a funky bass line in one hand, and then played a Paganini caprice in the other hand above it. Amazing. |
Victor Wooten (Bassist), Album title: "What did he say". John Coltrane rendition of Naima is one of the highlights. |
Check out: Secular Breathing by the Jim Knapp Orchestra. |
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Thanks for the Braxton "warnings" and tips, everyone.
I'll track down "New York, Fall 1974" and give it a whirl, Acman3. Sounds like a good album to start with.
Thanks again. |
It seems the Braxton recording was never released digitally, but only on LP. |
Rknight, Like all music on an edge, not all of Braxton's music is a math equation, or played over your head.
Try Anthony Braxton/ New York, Fall 1974, with Kenny Wheeler on trumpet, Dave Holland on Bass, Jerome Cooper on drums. Some fairly straight ahead compositions, and a couple of streches. Startling dynamics, at least on my 40 year old LP. |
Heard Today:
Etta Jones (vocals) -- Don't go to Strangers
She should be more well known and highly regarded. She can sing with the big girls. Does 'fine & mellow'. Only Billie could do it better.
Andrew Hill (piano) -- But Not Farewell
Plays with a quintet. I like it, better than I used to. Has been on the 'save for later' shelf for years.
Gonzalo Rubalcaba (piano) -- The Blessing
Trio with Charlie Haden and Jack DeJohnette. Not two of my favorites, but they are a good fit here. Nice version of 'Besame Mucho'. Another Cuban Virtuoso.
Murray Perahia (piano) -- Bach Keyboard Concertos Nos. 3, 5, 6, 7
Not Jazz? Hmmmmmm, maybe. But great Music and I did listen to it today.
Cheers |
While Rok and I disagreed on the sonic qualities of the music in that bargain set, we absolutely did not disagree on the absolute qualities of the music. This music belongs in anyone's jazz collection who considers himself an "aficionado". I have, and I will continue to pay an exorbitant price for this music. If this set meets your sonic requirements, then you have received "manna from heaven". Here is a very small sample from "you tube". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u_lv_Q3VPMThat very beautiful lady on the cover is Tammy, and she graces the cover of my LP. Every time I hear this, I feel Tammy's fragrant breeze. Another cut on this same LP is "On Green Dolphin Street". This is the coolest "Green Dolphin Street" on record. I can still feel Tammy's fragrant breeze while I'm listening to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRNzx9d-D-oEnjoy the music. |
Today's Playlist:
Walter Davis Jr.(piano) -- Davis Cup
w/ Jackie McLean / Donald Byrd / Sam Jones / Art Taylor
Straight-Ahead, Hard Bop, Blue Note Session. Some critics say one of the best ever! All tunes written by Davis. Great supporting cast. Very enjoyable record.
Walter Davis Jr. -- In Walked Thelonious
Davis playing solo piano. All of Monk's tunes are here. At least 14 are. Mapleshade Production, so you know the recording is excellent. Think of it as Davis' take on Monk, without all the 'clutter'. No flat piano here!! This man didn't record much, and this is one of his best, along with the one listed above. Get them both. You won't be sorry.
Now, The Piece de Resistance!!!
Rahsaan Roland Kirk -- Blacknuss
He plays everything from Motown, to The Old Rugged cross!! Not a weak, or throw a way, track on the CD.
He is funny, serious, profound, silly and absolutely brilliant, all at the same time! He also sings and plays several instruments at the same time.
This CD is a MUST HAVE!! You know you have to have it, so if you ain't got it, git it!!
I have another one of his I will 'review' tomorrow.
Cheers
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Rknight:
Folks don't wade thru Braxton's mind, they go via 4 wheel drive hummer!! :) Otherwise you might end up like the guys in the old Tarzan movies, up to your neck in quicksand. Good Luck!
Cheers |
Frogman:
"Notice how they both approach it from below which gives certain sung notes an ever so slightly flat intonation until they are brought up to the pitch center; gives the singing a subtle tension-and-release quality that is very expressive."
I pulled out my copy of Nancy and Cannonball. I listened for what you described. I think I know what you are talking about. I will now go back and compare her to Jimmy. BTW, she didn't sing long enough, before Cannonball and the boys took over the CD. :(
I would have never noticed that on my own. First I would have been too involved staring at the CD cover photo. Then listening to her wonderful voice.
It's good to have a person with your background in the group. Even I, might be able to learn something!
She is one of the few big time singers I have seen / heard in person. Constitution Hall in D.C.
Thanks for the insight.
Cheers. |
I listened to "The Inflated Tear" every day for three months after hearing it for the first time. What an incredible song.
Now I'm wading through the minds of Mr. Archie Shepp and Albert Ayler.
Shepp's "Le Matin des Noire", "Hambone" and Ayler's "Summertime" just blow me away.
I'm trying hard to stay away from Braxton but I feel it coming on.
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Rok, I am impressed. I love Little Jimmy Scott! I will never forget the first time I heard him. A friend came over a few yeards ago and, as we often do, try to stump each other by doing blind-tests to identify players and singers. He played this cut: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SRYJbaxwJ20I wasn't sure, but I guessed Nancy Wilson. Well, it turns out that Jimmy Scott was, by her own admission, Nancy Wilson's biggest influence. He is a beautiful interpreter with wonderful phrasing. The influence on Nancy Wilson is remarkable. Not just in the phrasing, but also the tone and pitch of her voice. Some singers (and players) approach sustained notes either from above the pitch center or from below. Notice how they both approach it from below which gives certain sung notes an ever so slightly flat intonation until they are brought up to the pitch center; gives the singing a subtle tension-and-release quality that is very expressive. Here is Nancy Wilson, possibly my favorite female vocalist (next to Victoria De Los Angeles, but that's a different genre) from one of my very favorite records: http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=0EeWOA1EngkI had the good fortune of hearing Jimmy Scott live about fifteen years ago. Very interesting performer with a very warm demeanor and curiously androgynous appearance. Good call! |
Whether ah is or is not, we gonna git back to da music.
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Thanks for recommendation on Jimmy Scott. After doing a bit of research on his life, I ordered the CD and can't wait to take a listen. |
"Maybe I should join "EAA", that stands for "Extreme Audiophiles Anonymous". After putting such people down, I've discovered that "Maybe I are one"?"
Maybe you is! |
Speaking of 'Nuance', may I recommend the following:
Jimmy Scott (vocals) -- All The Way
Probaly unknown to most on this forum, but he this man is an awesome talent. If you like singing at the highest level try to find a way to listen to this cd. Try to YouTube him if you can. I think The Frogman will love his style.
His voice is almost feminine. I have had this CD for years. Listened to it last night. Great late night singing esp with that special someone. His personal story is a sad one.
Ella Fitzgerald -- For the Love of Ella Fitzgerald
Two Cd set. A tale of two CDs. CD #1 swings the other one is mostly Ballards. I like the swing stuff best. Of course there is no sense trying to describe Ella's performances anymore. Hell, it's Ella. That's all you need to know.
She is backed on one song or another by almost everyone in Jazz. From The Duke, Basie, Louis, Oscar to Nelson Riddle. Her performance of 'Rockin' in Rhythm' with Duke's band is awesome! She scats thru the whole thing. Duke and Band are out of their heads. The brass section in particular. They get 'up there' and stay up there for a while. With Clark Terry , Ray Nance and Cat Anderson on trumpets, what can you expect! Man, I love this stuff!
The ballards are just run of the mill awesome! The woman does anything so effortless!
And please, no comments about flat pianos! :)
BTW, O-10, I received my copy of 'Trio Tres Bien' today. I will report later. I noticed they used the term 'Jazz Aficionado' in the liner notes. You didn't write them did you :)
Cheers
Give Jimmy Scott a listen. And Ella also. I looked on youtube, I saw her doing rockin in rhythm, but not with the Duke.
Cheers |
Maybe I should join "EAA", that stands for "Extreme Audiophiles Anonymous". After putting such people down, I've discovered that "Maybe I are one"?
This is a "jazz" music forum, and the music Rok recommended is some fantastic jazz.
Enjoy the music.
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Rok, on my original post I stated, " 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." The reason I didn't mention that CD is because I felt it was lacking in "nuance". This CD contains some of the very best jazz in my collection. Since we disagreed on The Three sounds, there is a good possibility we'll disagree on this one as well, and that's why I'm going to reveal this CD. Atlantic Jazz 7 81951-2, Ray Charles & Milt Jackson; Soul Brothers/Soul Meeting, is a 2 disc CD that is as good as it gets. Brother Ray even blows a mean sax. While the music is 5 star jazz, the sonics on this CD are inferior to the LP, which is why I didn't review it. Now I realize that for people who never heard the LP, that might not matter. I give you my favorite tune on the album "Blue Funk" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHold6ylvEMEnjoy the music. |
Gene Harris is my most under appreciated pianist. Since I don't have a good explanation for this, I wont even try; however, I will explain how and why I discovered this.
My friend Rok, recommended some bargain CD's by The Three Sounds, and that's when I discovered how important a pianist Gene Harris is. It's not what he says, but the way that he says it. Each time he strikes a piano key, the way he does it is saying something.
I didn't discover this until I acquired "The Three Sounds" stripped of "nuance". This is such an important word to an audiophile, that I'm going to give you the definition. Nuance: A subtle or slight degree of difference, as in meaning, feeling, or tone; a gradation. A shade or graduation difference in colour, also as in carefully nuanced words.
The very same word can have a multitude of meanings, depending on how it's spoken. "Nuance", in my opinion, is the most important word in the English language to an audiophile.
Enjoy the music.
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O-10:
Are you sure we are talking about the same Cd?
' The Three Sound Eight Classic Albums. Real Gone Jazz. RGJCD285'.
I am listening to it as I type. No way I can hear booming bass! And BTW, CD vs LP, upstairs / downstairs is not a valid comparison test, but even so, the CD should sound OK.
I guess we will just have to agree to disagree about this one.
Cheers.
BTW, you just destoryed my rep as a 'reviewer'. Thanks! |
Rok, I repeated the test. This time I gave the bargain CD all the advantages. The CD was in my listening room and the LP was in the basement. After synchronizing the two, I listened in the basement for awhile before going back to the listening room. This time the results were even worse; it sounded like the bass tone controls (which I don't have) were turned up on the bass, and it was "boomy".
There is a possibility my love, affection and familiarity with this music could give me the ability to detect a deviation that others wouldn't sense.
Enjoy the music.
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O-10:
I found your comments on the Three Sounds to be very interesting.
The first time I played the 8 Classic set I compared it to my only copy of them on Blue Note. I put one of the classic cds in one player and the blue note in another player. Both were playing thru the same amp.
I just toggled between them and decided that the piano on the Classic cd sounded flat, just as you said. I went back and forth until I was sure. Yep, flat.
Then I went to the kitchen for coffee and talked a while with the wife, then came back into the listening room. The two players where still playing. The lights on the amp were defeated, as they always are. I had forgotten which CD player was selected. I sat there looking at two cd players, both on, with the counters counting, but I had no idea which one I was listening to. I had stumbled into a blind test!
So I concentrated as hard as I could. grrr, grrrr, grrr, and decided that the piano was flat, so it must be the classic cd. Wrong! It was the Blue Note Playing thru the SA8001.
What does this prove? Nothing. Just food for thought. I then wrote my 'review'. I stand by it with the following understanding:
My review is for the The Three Sounds only. I would not buy any of the heavyweights, Miles, Coltrane or Rollins etc... But for groups that are not that important to you and ones that you would not normally buy, the classic sets are a good buy. After all, I only had one Cd by the Three Sounds. Much more on LP. As several reviewers have said, their music has a sameness about it. Nice lounge music. I do have a lot of Gene Harris.
Thanks for your comments.
Cheers
I think my brain knew I was listening for FLAT, so it provided FLAT. That happens a lot of this site. I just admit it. When I knew which Cd was playing it was easy. When I didn't know, things got a lot harder. |
Rok, I really appreciate your playlist, it helps me to decide on new CD's.
In regard to those bargains, I suggest you use that music for deciding which CD's to buy. In the case of the 3 sounds, the piano is flat, and the piano is everything in their music. I suggest you chalk that cost off, and buy the original CD if you like the music. In the case of "Moods", I paid $35 for a used LP, and now I see a used CD for $106.96, that lets you know how good the music is on that album.
Enjoy the music.
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