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

I recall reading about the day he met the rhythm section in his autobiography. Since I can't talk too much about Art Pepper without getting sad, I won't, but that's a real nice CD.

Buena Vista Social Club, goes all the way back to "Cubano Bop", which is what Diz called it when he had Chano Pozo with him on "Manteca". That jazz was so far ahead of it's time that it took the rest of world 20 years to catch up.

Today, I've been on two tracks; first I want to give those who want new music, Pat Metheney & Anna Maria Jopek; "Are you going with me?" This can be seen on "You tube". Although it won't meet the definition of "classic jazz" for some aficionados, it's the best new music I've heard this year, and I'll have to let everyone else classify and define it.

The second track is for classic jazz aficionados, it consists of two different sides of Wes Montgomery. Before he became famous, his music was introspective and in a deep jazz groove. The Wes Montgomery Trio, Round Midnight, is an example of that phase of Wes's career. This warm intimate version of "Round Midnight" is my favorite.

"Bumpin On Sunset", exemplifies the other phase of his career after he became famous. This can also be found on "You tube". Music is synonymous with my memories, while I wasn't "Bumpin On Sunset", I was bumpin everywhere else at that time. "Why is youth wasted on the young?".

Sharing music like this is almost like a social visit.

Enjoy the music.

I consider the Pat Metheney thingy to be mood music or sound effect music. Sounds like a lot of European Pop did back in the day. It also reminded me of the blue alien singer on the space ship in the movie 'the fifth element'. No offense, I thought she / it was great. Wes was playing Jazz. They even DRESSED as if they were Jazz players. Ever notice how real Jazz players wear suit and tie. They do that because it shows respect for the music. Pat and his type don't do it because they don't respect the music. Because they may not understand the music. Like I have said many times, they think Jazz is whatever they want it to be. I wish I could bang tin cans together, call it my First symphony and have it sold in stores right next to Mozart and company. It just don't work like that! Metheney, good sound? Yes. Jazz? No. Of corse let me quickly add, IMHO. Don't wanna come under elitists gasbag attack. :)

Cheers
My most recent live jazz mixing gigs (didn't record 'em)were the Jeremy Pelt Quintet and Bill Charlap's trio. Both amazing, plenty of info online. The other "coffee house" stuff wasn't jazz so that's for some other thread.
a label to look for is the nagel heyer lable from Germany --- no name players (generally) but just great album after grat album.
Rok, I wracked my brain (not hard to do) and I don't recall you mentioning Carmen McRae. I know that's got to be wrong; just checking.