Jazz for aficionados
****I have always thought of Wynton and being more than just a Jazz player**** Very true. He is a formidable force in jazz today; as you said, "the face of jazz". An outspoken embassador for jazz with a dedication to and understanding of the history of jazz that, were he to take part in this discussion, would make all of our comments seem like those of kindergarten students. He is an incredibly talented trumpet player with the kind of meticulousness in his playing that allows him to be a very credible classical player. But, an interesting jazz player none of this necessarily makes; he never really was, but perhaps from the standpoint of sheer virtuosity. His brother Branford is a much more laid-back and relaxed individual who plays much like the way he is as a person. He, also, has recorded some of the classical repertoire, but with less success. I find it an interesting study on personality and how that translates to certain players' musical personality. In a nutshell, I doubt Wynton would EVER title one of is records "Four MF's Playing Tunes" (I assume we all know what MF stands for). |
One of my very favorites by two of my favorite singers. If you have never heard Betty Carter in her "earlier" voice, this may be a revelation. Ray Charles; well, what more can be said about his genius. I can probably do without the chorus "sweetening" on a couple of the cuts, but overall, a beautiful record: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Rbkcxiibw |
'Soultrane' is a great CD. I had forgotten how 'normal' Coltrane can sound. Great playing. Maybe Red Garland and Paul Chambers kept order! I listened to the Ray Charles and Betty Carter CD. I thought it was very good. Esp 'Baby It's Cold Outside' and 'Takes Two To Tango'. The Choral groups doing the 'sweetening'? Nothing new, ever hear of Bird and Strings? Nat Cole's Christams CD? On that one there were two(2) orchestras and three(3) choral groups to 'help' him. Just ruined one of the greatest Christmas CDs of all time. Lets not even talk about Gil Evans and Miles Davis. But it is the same thing / mind set! I don't think any of these great artist 'requested' help! "They' always seem to think they can make it Mo' Better. Defend the Music!! Maybe you are beginning to see my point. Cheers |
