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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
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Ahmed Abdul-Malik, Jazz Sounds of Africa. This sounds brand new, and it could be classified as "World Music", it reminds me of Marrakech.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_deuBC1enSI

Enjoy the music.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Rok, how do you like Marakesh?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-FUM74WsQo

Enjoy the music.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
****"Rok, how do you like Marakesh?"****

I ordered my one-way tickets today!!! See you there!! I wonder if I will be able to find a socket to plug my stereo into?

Speaking of Marrakech:

Randy Weston -- Marrakech: In The Cool of The Evening
Weston plays solo piano.

Nice playing, mostly his own tunes. Nothing reached out and grabbed me. The 'Fats' Waller and Billy Strayhorn tunes were the best. An entire CD of solo piano is a LOT. Esp if the player is NOT Oscar Peterson!!

There are some nice photos and a very interesting cover photo of 'downtown' Marrakech. :) Even a shot of guys wearing Fezzes. I always thought that was outdated hollywood stuff. I must admit I got this one years ago based on the title. It's not what I expected.

Nothing african, middle Eastern or exotic on this one. At least not to my ear. You more ''in depth' guys might hear differently. I have a lot of his stuff, mostly with Melba Liston. This CD is not among his best. IMO! Whew, amost forgot to add that. :)

Reminds me of the first LP I ever purchased. Got it from the RCA record club. 'Victory at Sea'. I ordered it because of the battle scene on the cover. I wonder even today about exactly what did I expect to hear. But now i realize it's great music, but not then. I expected action!! :)

Cheers
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Today's Recommendation:

James Williams (piano) -- Magical Trio 1
featuring Ray Brown (bass) and Art Blakey (drums)

This is what they call straight ahead Jazz. Modern Bop played at the highest level. It swings. Considering the lineup there is not a lot to say. Great bass intonation!

Excerpts from the liner notes:
***"So many of the refugees from the Jazz avant garde of the 60's and the 70's offer much lip service to the Jazz tradition, but when they play Bechet, Henderson, Ellington, Dameron, etc..., it ends up ranging from unintentional parody to simple assassination"***

Even I understand and can agree with that. So you can conclude that ain't the case here.

Very well recorded. 1987
Highly Recommended.

Cheers
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Rok, if you want a little Cubano in your Afro try this,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV0ew5RJodM

Followed by the master drummers, and Mr. Bass himself, "Oscar Pettiford".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhFonpC4yR8

Enjoy the music.
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