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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
7,494 posts
 
Jimmy Forrest was another often overlooked great tenor player. Indisputably out of the Texas tenor camp, this cut teams him with two other greats: King Curtis and Oliver Nelson who we often forget was a great player as well as composer/arranger. Check out Forrest's opening phrase, but first fasten your seatbelt. His solo is first, followed by King Curtis and the Oliver Nelson. I love the way Nelson crafts a solo. There is an incredible logic to the way he develops a solo. Anyone familiar with his "Bues And The Abstract Truth" will recognize the almost stately way that he starts and then develops an idea before there is an "ok, time to cut loose" attitude. Three very different but equally interesting styles:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6N3ttzmzJmg
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Today's Playlist (so far)

The Blue Note Swingtets -- Featuring groups led by
Tiny Grimes, John Hardee, Ike Quebec, Benny Morton and Jimmy Hamilton

Great playing throughout. This was, according to the liner notes, recorded during Blue Note's 'Swing' period.(1944-1946) A period greatly influenced by Quebec. He seems to have been a very influential advisor to the founder of Blue Note Alfred lion. Even brought Monk to Blue Note.

On this CD, eight of the numbers are by groups led by Ike. Very easy swinging blues rule these sessions. Ike contributes two of his own compositions: 'Blue Harlem' and 'Zig Billion'

Some of the all time greats appear: Milt Hinton, Oscar pettiford, Ben Webster, Barney Bigard and a lot of the Duke's men.

All recorded between 1944 and 1945. Some tape hiss and a little noise, but nothing that would bother a vinyl aficionado. Which I ain't.

I have not given Ike his proper due in my music collection. Only one CD. I will have to correct that. I am sure I have more of him on LP.

Great Liner notes by Dan Morgenstern. I just love it when the history of the players / music and background of the recording session is included.

Cheers
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

"Nature Boy" by Ike Quebec is an interesting version of this tune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tk6dYP_uhs

Since I posted "Heavy Soul" two miles back and it got missed, here it is again. I especially like Freddy Roach on organ. They knew Ike was dying from terminal cancer when they recorded this, hence the title "Heavy Soul" .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIZzHpXGEjg

Enjoy the music.
cymbop
315 posts
 
I listened to Ike Quebec's Bossa Nova Soul Samba last night and it made me very, very happy.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
When I watch a youtube 'video' with just a still shot of the artist, I think of the movie '1984,' and the pictures of Big Brother. Words being spoken but he never moves! hahahahahahah I felt like Ike was watching me!

Cheers.

'Heavy soul' did not get missed. That's why Ike is the topic of conversation. The Frogman and I commented on it. And I even listened to his work on the Blue Note Swingtet CD. Pay attention O-10. :)
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