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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
 
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
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

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.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

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.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Latest Listen:

Nat Adderley Sextet -- AUTUMN LEAVES (live at sweet basil)
Sextet includes two(2) Alto Sax Players. Sonny Fortune and Vincent Herring. I guess it took that many to replace Cannonball.

Only four numbers. They are long, but do not get tiresome. They will hold your attention. The sextet is totally engaged on all the songs. No throwaways, filler or blowing just to be blowing. That is getting to be the highest compliment you can give these days.

All solos are excellent. Well constructed and played. Esp the Saxophones, but I am not so sure about their tone. Seems like they squeak and squawk a bit. But fine playing all around.

Nat does take the lead role (muted) on the title track.(autumn leaves)

Good, but brief, liner notes. Talks about the Adderely brother's Southern roots.(florida) How the church influenced their musical development. I didn't know that, but I always felt it in Cannonball's music.

Although they were Episcopalin, it seems as if they were most influenced by the Baptist church, as a result of just passing by it on sundays and hearing the music within. hahahahahahaha Now, that's INFLUENCE!

All in all an excellent effort. One of Nat's best.
Highly Recommended.

Cheers
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Rok, I've been listening to a CD that I don't even know how it got into my collection, but I like it. Nowhere do I even remember purchasing "Mardra & Reggie Thomas"; but now, her soothing vocals take me places, and even her selection of songs are the one's I like best.

Mardra's vocals are not "seductive", like Nancy Wilson's, or sexy, like Carmen McRae's, or jazzy like Ella Fitzgerald's; her voice is soothing, like one I've heard before, like the girl next door who understood me, and she's singing to me for me. The more I hear Mardra, the more I like her.

Now that this CD has gotten my highest recommendation for a new vocalist, (new to me) it's time for the master reviewer to give it a listen, they have it on Amazon. Tell me what you think.

Enjoy the music.
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