Always a treat to find new material by a great artist. However, there’s usually a reason that release of a recording is held back. I know it’s in vogue to slam critics, but I think Fremer’s review nails it. It’s hard to find an Art Blakey recordings that is not at least enjoyable to listen to, but compared to the classics this one, while still enjoyable, doesn’t rise to the same level of band cohesion and level of swing. The material was unfamiliar to the players and it sounds like it. As Fremer points out, four of the tunes were recorded live just a few weeks later for the “At The Jazz Corner Of The World” release and the band (same lineup) sounds more energetic and precise. On the title tune of the earlier studio version we hear a rarity, Morgan ‘fracks” (misses) a note early on in the reading of the “head”; a common result of unfamiliarity with the material. https://youtu.be/RQcfoXbGtq8A few weeks later: https://youtu.be/S5GONJ_ozTc |
Just got around to watching the "Night in Tunisia" link... That version kills ANY other instrumental version I’ve heard to date. WOW! Imagine being in another band scheduled to play AFTER that? I also like Ella Fitzgerald’s version from "Clap hands, here comes Charlie" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abHkDjYRY4w I have a fabulous 1961 mono press that I never get tired of playing. |
@tablejockey
..that was a fantastic read.
Thank you! |
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@mitch4t
Give me some credit! I don’t take any critic’s word as gospel even Michael Fremer whose views I don’t always agree with. If you are a big Lee Morgan fan, and you don’t already have it, I would like to recommend the film I Called Him Morgan, available on DVD. It features great music and interviews from Wayne Shorter, Jymie Merritt, and of course his common law wife, Helen, who ended his life. |
Thanks for the heads up on the new Art Blakey release Mitch. I’ll be sure to get it. I'm sure it will be an enjoyable listen as the both the Jazz Messengers and Lee Morgan are always a treat. It's great to have something new from the vaults by either.
Mike |
Thanks for the tip @mitch4t. Big Lee Morgan fan here too.
Happy Listening! |
I suggest you listen to the album on your streaming subscription service..Pandora, Spotify, Tidal..etc..
Listen for yourself and make your own decision.
I've read too many reviews that I didn't agree with.
As Richard Pryor once said:
"No one ever paid to see a critic" |
I recently picked up Blakey's Live In Paris "65 with his Freddie Hubbard, Nathan Davis, Jaki Byard, and Reggie Workman group. I have Just Coolin' on my wishlist, but am in no hurry to get it especially after the review. |
@rshak Interesting review from Fremer because honestly my initial impressions matched his (somewhat). I felt like he was a bit harsh because the album is an enjoyable listen but it didn’t feel loose at all and in fact it felt like the musicians pretty much "phoned it in" on this recording. I own a ton of BlueNotes and many Kevin Gray mastering versions but this is one I don’t think I will bother to buy. I may occasionally stream it. A generally enjoyable session but nothing earth shattering, nothing fresh, and it felt like the musicians were already thinking about where they were going to spend the day’s "cash-and-carry" proceeds before even leaving the studio. |
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"If it's on vinyl, you'll be getting an original first pressing of music recorded 60 years ago."
It will not sound like an LP pressed in 1958.
There will be some digital manipulation along the way. It's a 62 year old master tape. I have a mono period "Moanin" Even though it's not pristine, it sounds better than my 80's reissue. The 80's reissue sounds better than a current press-subjectively.
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Thanks for the lead, I will follow. Enjoy the music
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If it's on vinyl, you'll be getting an original first pressing of music recorded 60 years ago. |
Guess I'll actually buy a "new" album this year. |
It appeared in my Qobuz "New Album" feed today.
Art Blakey is so cool. |
mitch4t
Thank You for the hot tip.
Happy Listening! |
