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

I've been out of town for a day, but I'm going to catch up and not slight anyone's posts. Rok, your honesty is what makes your reviews so good; "you calls em like you sees em".

I thought, without listening for myself, "Jazz At The Pawnshop" was one of the best recordings ever; the hype was all I had to go by. As you know I like good sound, but without good music, you can keep it. As for your reviews, "keep em comin"

Enjoy the music.
Thanks for the kind words O-10. With you onboard, my readership has just doubled!

Today's Ray of Sunshine:

Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra -- SATCH PLAYS FATS

SACD only CD. Not a Hybrid.

Louis Armstrong Plays the music of Thomas 'Fats' Waller. In this realm of Jazz, King louis Rules. He don't need no stinking bebop!!

All of Fats' best known stuff is here. All have vocals. Is this New Orleans Jazz? Fats waller Jazz? Speakeasy jazz? Harlem jazz? No matter what, it's great, feel good, party music. Oustanding Booklet insert.

Of course Louis has the most unique voice on the planet. He can convey feelings like no other. Every song he sings becomes his own. We learned that from 'Hello Dolly'. Velma Middleton duets on some songs.

Half of the tracks are 'bonus' tracks. Alternate takes. Some from the 30's. Normally a turn off to me, but not in this case. The more the better. Great sound quality.

This SACD sells on Amazon new for 4.99! Hard to believe, esp when you consider the prices of all the noise and static on sale there.

For Armstrong / Waller fans, this is a MUST HAVE. For any other Jazz fans its an ought to have. For $4.99 what's there to think about? We have all spent a lot more for a lot less.

Cheers

Charles1dad, Jack Sheldon was primarily known on the West Coast; good musicians could make a living, and never leave the LA area. Yes, he had a beautiful tone.

Enjoy the music.

Rok, this would have to be placed into a category I don't even have; "feel good music", although I could sure use it about now.

I saw the musical "Ain't Misbehavin" performed locally, and I left all smiles. It's for sure Fats Waller's music had that ability to make one smile and feel better. In these times that are trying men's souls, I'm sure we could all use a mood changer, I know I could.

When you mix Louis, and Fat's, that's got to be a mood changer, it's on order, and I'm looking forward to feeling better.

Enjoy the music.