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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
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

"A Night In Tunisia", from the LP, "The Cooker" by Lee Morgan, has to be the most fantastic version of that jam ever. It features Lee Morgan on trumpet; Pepper Adams, Baritone sax; Bobby Timmons, piano; Paul Chambers, bass; and Philly Joe Jones, drums.

Pepper Adams is to the baritone sax what Lee Morgan is to the trumpet; the best ever, according to aficionados. Pepper blew on this jam like there would be no tomorrow, and he had to get every last note in that he was going to ever blow, on this jam.

Although it was headed by Lee Morgan, everybody gave Pepper the floor cause "He wanna blow now". Even Gabriel and the angels had to stop and listen. "Blow your horn, Blow your horn", that's what Gabriel said. "I can't wait to get some more Pepper Adams and Lee Morgan", that's what Orpheus said.

Enjoy the music.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
Jacques Loussier Trio "Bach The Brandenburgs"
A Jazz interpretation
frogman
7,473 posts
 
Rok, thanks for the Andrew Davis link. No, I had not seen this, and he does a great job of dissecting (in a good sense) Berg's "Lulu". It is always interesting to hear how a composer may have first conceived the music on the piano before orchestrating it as it is more commonly known; while it may lack the complexity of the orchestral colors, there is a wonderful directness about it.

Great call with Dorothy Donegan. What a pianist! Speaking of directness in music, lack of pretense, personality, whatever one wants to call it, she had it. There was something really infectious in her playing; a good dose of show(wo)manship, but also a sense of sincerity. Check out how she ends the tune at 2:16. Gotta love it!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=D-JlF3cC538&feature=plpp
chazro's avatar
chazro
635 posts
 
Re: Paquito D'Rivera's 'Portraits of Cuba', I can't believe I'm saying this but I agree with Rok2id's opinion of the record. PDR is one of my favorite musician's of all time, been an avid fan for over 3 decades and own over 90% of his catalog which is quite extensive. D'Rivera's one of those artists that's always exploring new directions and music styles, I love that in any musician. The problem with trying so many different types of projects (as opposed to just staying within a comfort zone) is that sometimes what looks good on paper doesn't quite pan out. 'Portraits of Cuba' was meant to be an homage to Miles's 'Sketches of Spain' but fell far short and somewhat flat. Although it won awards and praise I certainly wouldn't reccommend it to a 1st-timer. The only tune that's memorable (as a novelty) is the theme from 'I Love Lucy'. There's so many great PDR records to choose from. If there's any interest in some recommendations lemme know!
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
"If there's any interest in some recommendations lemme know!"

Well, that is the purpose and point of the thread. What are your recommendations?
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