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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
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
I listened to 'Charlie Parker with Strings: The Master Takes' Bird was in fine form. Good experience overall. The sound quality of the recording was much better than most Bird recordings. I didn't see the need for the strings, and I think they took away rather than added to the performance. True Genius does not need gimmicks! One reviewer said "there is a lot of Jazz, but only one bird" so true.

Cheers
jazzcourier
205 posts
 
March 12 1955....Bird died.March 12 2013...the only thing that "ran West" was the railroad.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Rok,
I agree with your stance on Charlie Parker.To say he had too much influence is baffling and bizarre. Miles in his autobiography said bird's talent and genuine extraordinary creatively affected not only the sax players but all musicians regardless of the instrument. Miles said an entire generation was simply in awe of the astonishing playing and standard he established. I understand that some just don't care for bird (that's ok) but
his Iimpact and legacy is unquestionable.
Regards,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I remember a talk show program long ago where some caller said bird was over rated and given too much credit. He felt that Paul Desmond was a better alto player and deserved equal status.Now if he likes Desmond more that's perfectly fine and his opinion. To lmply that Desmond had the same stature,impact and contribution is insane!
Regards,
frogman
7,441 posts
 
Jazzcourier, excellent post; thank you. I do take exception with your description of Art Pepper's influences. I hear more Lee Konitz in his playing than Parker.

Rok and others, re Parker. I don't want to speak for Orpheus10, but I believe that what he meant, and I agree with, is the simple fact that Parker's influence was pervasive and almost impossible for players to avoid. No one, certainly not I, is saying that Bird had TOO MUCH influence; that would be a ridiculous comment. So lets not get on a tangent about this.

Now, for the punch line of my post: Concerning Art Pepper's influences (surprise!), and his feelings about Bird in general (which supports what I believe Orpheus is saying), "straight from the horse's mouth":

http://artpepper.bandcamp.com/track/interview-with-art-pepper
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