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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
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Today's Listen

Hugh Masekela -- The Best Of Hugh Masekela

Most of his greats are here. Including one I could have done without (grazing in the grass).'Chileshe', 'Don't Go Lose It Baby', 'Nelson Madela', 'Mama' and of course the madatory 'Stimela' and others. No filler. All very good. Good happy infectious music. The blowing and the vocals.

Masekela has one of the most beautiful tones I have heard. I could listen to his Flugelhorn all day. He has a very unique voice also.

The Frogman once enlightened us on the unique sound of Mariachi trumpet. I wonder if he or anyone else could do the same with African Vocals. The singers have a very unique sound, esp the background singers. Ladysmith is a good source to hear that.

The liner notes include a one paragraph synopsis of each song. I like that. I think these are the best of his recordings for CBS/Columbia. Production quality is high. Great sound.

I am sure The frogman and O-10 already have this, they being such stalwart champions of third world music/Jazz.

Highly recommended. BTW, His stuff on youtube has horrible sound quality.

Cheers
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
The frogman:
"Also, a serious lip injury caused his playing to be sub-par during his last active years."

I hope he was not another victim of Mingus' right hand.

Cheers
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
Frogman, I did not know that about the end of Hubbard's career. That's every brass player's worst nightmare. I really enjoy Hubbard's early stuff - brass players definitely know who he is and talk about him quite a bit. Lee Morgan is another one like that - you don't hear many casual jazz fans talk about him, but the brass players do.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
As far as trumpeters respected by brass players more so than the casual jazz fan I'd add Kenny Dorham and even the lesser known Jack Sheldon.
When Jack was paired with Harold Land in the Curtis Counce band Sheldon's tone and playing was really good.
Regards,
frogman
7,473 posts
 
Good reading where Freddie talks about his chop problems and other aspects of life as a jazz player:

http://www.shout.net/~jmh/articles/freddie01.html
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