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
O-10,
Very nice singing. I listened to every snippet and they all were well done. The two songs written by her husband were good also. As you said very nice voice and a good song selection.

I youtubed and googled them. They do a lot of good stuff exposing and teaching young people to Jazz. This in itself is most important thing. He is also a faculty member in the Jazz Studies Dept at Michigan State. Also works with Lincoln Center projects. Impressive. We need more people like this at the grass roots level.

I noticed they are from the St Louis area. Same as Trio Tres Bien. Is St Louis your stomping grounds also?

http://music.msu.edu/faculty/profile/reginald

Cheers
Today's Listen:

The Timeless All-Stars -- ESSENCE
The all-stars are: Bobby Hutcherson,(vibes), Harold Land,(ts), Curtis Fuller,(tb), Cedar Walton,(p), Buster Williams (b) and Billy Higgins.(d)

I have had this one for decades. A great CD to use as an introduction to high quality Jazz playing.

Improvisation at it's best. All playing and songs are of the ideal degree of complexity. They grab your interest and hold it.

The Bass player, Buster Williams, is awesome throughout. Very intelligent playing as soloist and in support. I am sure his intonation would even meet the approval of The Frogman.

Most of the tracks were written by members of the group. 'Messina', by Hutcherson, is my favorite. Excellent sound. All digital. No Hiss.

Higly recommended. Check it out.

Cheers
I found three similar CD's with different release dates, and Harold Land looked old on one of them. I need numbers for the exact CD you have.
O-10:

http://browse.delosmusic.com/Essence-The-Timeless-All-Stars-p/de%204006.htm

This is the one. recorded in 1986 Delos label 4006