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.
Do not neglect this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLewsblH64M It’s also known as "Complete Concert In Germany". I have a special attachment to my copy, having bought it in Paris. Another live recording -- this one a trio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgZHiYvztfE&list=OLAK5uy_lBGXJME_H0rjQwYH2tDA32a9TjTIQ2EGo
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I just finished my hunting of Scott on Hammond...😁 Thanks to frogman... Now i must look to Sanborn, i do not have a single one ... 😊 This claim coming from an accomplished musician is enough for me ... Thanks ...
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Ask most music lovers what music genre the saxophone is mostly associated with and the answer will probably be “Jazz”. Serious Jazz aficionados (not here 😊) have a tendency to short change David Sanborn’s importance in the overall scheme of things. I’m not suggesting that Sanborn, as a Jazz alto player, is the equal of a Phil Woods or a Kenny Garret, but in the context of all the directions that “Jazz” has taken with its fusion with popular genres he is every bit the story teller that many of the more “serious” Jazz alto players are/were. Unique sound, fantastic feel, phrasing, and one of those players that could say something with just one or two notes. Whereas Jazz saxophone playing tends to be “noty”, his was a model of economy in improvisation. Sanborn, along with Michael Brecker, are undoubtedly the two most influential saxophone players of the last four decades or so. While Brecker was the much more accomplished Jazz player in the strict sense of the word, they both shared a certain Pop/Rock sensibility in their respective styles. Obviously, Sanborn much more so. For better or for worse the legions of alto saxophone players one hears on “Smooth Jazz” tunes owe their style to Sanborn. Sanborn credits Stevie Wonder’s harmonica playing as a big influence on his own playing. He played the way a great blues harp player does, or a guitar player like B.B. King. Few notes, but with ultimate expressiveness. But, he could also play with a much more sophisticated sense of harmony when the musical setting called for it; like a Jazz player. Big loss.
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"I’ve Got Your Love" from Boz Scaggs "Come On Home". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ia15RLRpCo&list=OLAK5uy_nHjoCyyKJVGBc7i4cD8b4bmqpyIxVLm2w The whole album is excellent -- musically and (to my ears, at east) sonically. It’s one of my favorite Boz albums that seldom gets mentioned on the forum. Not only does he sing but he also plays some very tasty guitar. I’ll be surprised if, hearing this track, you don’t want to play the the rest. "My Funny Valentine" has long been one of my favorite Miles releases. "Four and More" is its companion, featuring all up-tempo material. Somehow it's never appealed to me all that much but you might want to check it out. |
Thanks @zlone I’m listening to My Funny Valentine now. This kind of music I can listen to all day!😀 |
@curiousjim The first few minutes of Miles Davis My Funny Valentine, from the album of the same name is a track I use for demos. Not sure why, good dynamics I guess. |
@curiousjim Here is another - The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis It is not for everyone as members of the Messthetics are from the band Fugazi. When in the right mood, it is a fantastic listen. |
I’ve played guitar for 50 years (just to entertain myself -- I found out early on that gigging was not for me) so I don’t have to depend upon my system to have a deep connection with music. Nevertheless, I still enjoy good audio, just as I enjoy a good sounding guitar. I was very naive when I first jumped down the "rabbit hole" and it’s taken me quite awhile to appreciate just how much I don’t know about gear and acoustics. I’ve found "the journey" to be quite a roller-coaster and I admire anyone who can keep their balance. That Hancock/Corea show must’ve really been something! BTW -- my wife and I also enjoy listening together. She has no interest in hunting down music and has witnessed how OCD I can get when it comes to gear but she, like me, dearly loves music. |
@stuartk I try. I have many friends that go down the equipment rabbit hole and get lost. I thank my wife for keeping me grounded as we often listen together. I love Herbie Hancock as I remember seeing him, for the first time, during his 'Rockit' tour. Seen him plenty of times after. Last time was just him and Chick Corea with 2 pianos and that is it. It was an amazing experience, but many were not use to the amount of improvisation that went on between them. |
@curiousjim I am always looking. I troll around Bandcamp a lot and find some unique artists and music there. I am one that actively searches out music. My audio equipment is there to play for my habit of buying music 😁 |
@stuartk Only 55 albums, what a slouch 😁😁😁 |
Yeah, "Head Hunters" was the first H. Hancock album I encountered -- checked it out from the local library in ’75. Soon after that I was seduced by Blue Note album covers into exploring that label’s offerings. "Maiden Voyage" was the first H. Hancock recording that really grabbed me. It’s still one of my favorites. I never did get much into Hancock’s synth stuff but love his acoustic playing! One exception-- "Fat Albert Rotunda" is irresistible! |
@stuartk , Thanks for the link. I’ll be sure to check it out tomorrow. I’ve been a Herbie fan since the mid seventies when I bought the Head Hunters album. I’m pretty sure I still have it 😁 |
You might enjoy perusing the discography on Hancock’s own website -- it has the covers displayed graphically. Click on each cover for notes. This is an entertaining and very easy way to research his recordings all in one place. Not only that, there are links to Spotify so you can listen, too. Pretty cool resource! |