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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
frogman
7,475 posts
 
Rok, I am impressed. I love Little Jimmy Scott! I will never forget the first time I heard him. A friend came over a few yeards ago and, as we often do, try to stump each other by doing blind-tests to identify players and singers. He played this cut:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SRYJbaxwJ20

I wasn't sure, but I guessed Nancy Wilson. Well, it turns out that Jimmy Scott was, by her own admission, Nancy Wilson's biggest influence. He is a beautiful interpreter with wonderful phrasing. The influence on Nancy Wilson is remarkable. Not just in the phrasing, but also the tone and pitch of her voice. Some singers (and players) approach sustained notes either from above the pitch center or from below. Notice how they both approach it from below which gives certain sung notes an ever so slightly flat intonation until they are brought up to the pitch center; gives the singing a subtle tension-and-release quality that is very expressive. Here is Nancy Wilson, possibly my favorite female vocalist (next to Victoria De Los Angeles, but that's a different genre) from one of my very favorite records:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=0EeWOA1Engk

I had the good fortune of hearing Jimmy Scott live about fifteen years ago. Very interesting performer with a very warm demeanor and curiously androgynous appearance.

Good call!
rknight
7 posts
 

I listened to "The Inflated Tear" every day for three months after hearing it for the first time. What an incredible song.

Now I'm wading through the minds of Mr. Archie Shepp and Albert Ayler.

Shepp's "Le Matin des Noire", "Hambone" and Ayler's "Summertime" just blow me away.

I'm trying hard to stay away from Braxton but I feel it coming on.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Whether ah is or is not, we gonna git back to da music.
pnmeyer
38 posts
 
Thanks for recommendation on Jimmy Scott. After doing a bit of research on his life, I ordered the CD and can't wait to take a listen.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Frogman:

"Notice how they both approach it from below which gives certain sung notes an ever so slightly flat intonation until they are brought up to the pitch center; gives the singing a subtle tension-and-release quality that is very expressive."

I pulled out my copy of Nancy and Cannonball. I listened for what you described. I think I know what you are talking about. I will now go back and compare her to Jimmy. BTW, she didn't sing long enough, before Cannonball and the boys took over the CD. :(

I would have never noticed that on my own. First I would have been too involved staring at the CD cover photo. Then listening to her wonderful voice.

It's good to have a person with your background in the group. Even I, might be able to learn something!

She is one of the few big time singers I have seen / heard in person. Constitution Hall in D.C.

Thanks for the insight.

Cheers.
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