Jazz for aficionados

"BTW, you just destoryed my rep as a 'reviewer'. Thanks!
Rok2id "

Rok, I really appreciate your playlist, it helps me to decide on new CD's.

This is a "jazz" music forum, and the music Rok recommended is some fantastic jazz.

While Rok and I disagreed on the sonic qualities of the music in that bargain set, we absolutely did not disagree on the absolute qualities of the music. This music belongs in anyone's jazz collection who considers himself an "aficionado". I have, and I will continue to pay an exorbitant price for this music. If this set meets your sonic requirements, then you have received "manna from heaven". Here is a very small sample from "you tube".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u_lv_Q3VPM

I may have destroyed your rep as an "audiophile", but since you never claimed one, I don't think that's an issue. Nowhere in any of my posts did I question your legitimacy as a music reviewer. I just thought I would set the record straight.

Enjoy the music.

Charles1dad, after going on "You tube" I placed an order for "Big Bags". In regard to the sonics, your credentials as an "audiophile" are well established.

Enjoy the music.

Orpheus10:

I was just messin' with you about the 'reviewer' thingy. None of it was serious. I am not a 'legitimate' reviewer and never claimed to be. Just all in fun.
Me, an Audiophile? Surely you jest!!! After a few exchanges with The Frogman, I find myself listening for Bass player intonation and piano left hands etc.... Can hardly concentrate on the music anymore.

Cheers

BTW, my next playlist contains some real shockers!!! :)
Stay tuned.

Recent listen:

Paquito D'Rivera -- Portraits of Cuba (arranged and conducted by Carlos Franzetti)

This is the most disappointing CD I have heard in years. The Cover art is great. Shows a very young Paquito in white tails and white shoes in the middle of a crowded Pre-Castro night club. He is front and center in the classic sax players stance. Head back, looking at the ceiling, blowing!! You just know this is gonna be some good stuff. Wrong!

There is no music here. At least no Cuban or Afro-Cuban music. The musicians are professionals. They don't play out of tune or time. They just don't say anything. So I thought maybe it's just me. So I go to Amazon for other points of view.. A few cheerleaders gave it five stars. But the following review I copied because it addresses the problem.

*************A nice mellow sound for background music, but nothing with salsa to make you want to samba or such. No Latin or African influences are audible.
Published on October 23, 1999"**************

And this won the Grammy for best Latin Jazz record in 1997! hahahahahha That shows how much a Grammy is worth. I think that arranger is the problem! I know it's not Paquito!! Just like old Siegfried and Wolfgang on 'Soul to Jazz'. And Bill Potts on 'The Jazz Soul of Porgy and Bess'. They always wanna make it mo' better.

This is a lousy example of truth in advertising! The cover art and the pictures inside say one thing, the music is all together different. What was Paquito thinking! He didn't even use Latin musicians.

Defender La Musica
Antes de que sea Demasiado Tarde!!


Cheers

Today's Playlist:

Dorothy Donegan -- Dorothy Romps (a piano retrospective 1953-1979)

Frogman, check out this left hand playing!
She lives up to the name on the CD. She Romps!! She does it all, Boogie-Woogie, Stride, Blues and Bop. The booklet that came with the CD is excellent reading.
She was quite an independent woman / player, which didn't set well with the Jazz old guard. She being a woman and all.
George Shearing refused to share a billing with her. Oscar Peterson would, only if she used his trio. But interestingly, both Ellington and Basie INVITED her to play with them. I guess class does always tell. Did I mention she plays boogie-woogie? I love it.


Hampton Hawes -- Hampton Hawes Trio Vol. 1

with / Red Mitchell on bass, Chuck Thompson on drums
Very fine piano playing. Hawes is supposed to be a West Coast guy, in the coast wars. A coolster? I think he is just a fabulous piano player.

His music is intricate, but accessible, the ideal situation in Jazz. His playing is a joy to listen to and follow. OJC recording so you know it's good.


Lena Horne -- Being Myself

Lena was 81 when this was recorded. Her voice shows her age in any objective, technical evaluation. But, in an emotional sense, she is right on target.
All the tunes are standards. If you want her at her best, get her much younger. But if you can visualize her, or know anything about her, this is just fine.

I read a story about her once. She was at a Military base performing during World War ll. The audience consisted of Black G.I.s and German prisoners of war. Of course, due to the prevailing 'conditions', the Germans were seated up front. Lena promptly left the stage, walked back to the first row of Black soldiers, and began to sing! With the uber alles boys at her back.
In the 1940's that took guts. Esp for a woman. A black woman. In show business. Where her livelihood, depended on the whims of others.

This is her last recording. It's important to me, because she was
Such a beauty! Such a talent!! And a Great and Brave American! I am glad she did this CD. Glad it's on Blue Note. And I'm glad to have it.

BTW,
She looks 35 on the CD cover!

Cheers