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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:

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
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 
You got it.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 
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.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
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
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
When you sent me the post on Mardra & Reggie Thomas, you sort of made a comparison of her style with McRae and Ella.

It occurred to me how tough it must be to be successful in the music business. One of the major reasons being, the Great artists never really go away. They are still here, on LP and CD.

So if a current player is talented enough and lucky enough to record for a major label, their CD goes in the bin right next to the Ella's and Coltrane's' of the Jazz world. A new artist is always in direct competition with the greats of the past.

I guess classical composers suffer the same way. Of course this is stating the obvious, but your post just brought it home for me.

BTW, I am not sure that 'ESSENCE' is the Timeless All-Stars' best work. But it is good. 'These Sellers' want mega bucks for their other stuff.

Cheers
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