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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
frogman
7,475 posts
 
****I.E. the song HAS TO BE about vermont only when you sing the words. Otherwise it's just a very nice tune in the category of Autumn Leaves etc..... that Jazz guys like to improvise over.****

Perhaps. But, many great improvisers will tell you that knowing the lyrics to a song, and having the lyrics on their mind when they improvise, is one of the keys to a great solo. Which is why so many players revere singers like Frank Sinatra who were masters at singing lyrics in a very straightforward and unaffected way; the idea being: a great song doesn't need much help.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_CiizL8Vfu8

I think that we sometimes like to think that playing jazz, being a vehicle for free expression, is free of any constraints. While it is obviously true that improvisation offers the player a lot more creative freedom than, say, a classical performance (duh!), there are still fairly strict guidelines inasmuch as what is appropriate use of a particular musical vocabulary. "Appropriate" is obviously a tricky and subjective criterion, but to paraphrase someone: "I am not sure what tasty playing is, but I know it when I hear it (or don't)"
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
SOMETHIN' ELSE

Basically a tit for tat between Cannoball and Miles. The rhythm section was not even there.

Both Miles and Julian played beautifully, but a lot of muted trumpet and alto sax needs a little more. After all we are talking the BEST ever.

There were no really cooking numbers. On the best ever Jazz album, there just has to be.

The rhythm section was a big letdown. Big time names, but they didn't play up to their rep. Esp weak was the piano. They only showed signs of life on the last number 'Alison's Uncle', but since that number was not on the LP, it does even count.

And last but not least. After playing ended on 'One for Daddy-O' you could hear Julian say "is that what you wanted alfred?" Another example of those egotistical producers making sure they are recognized for enternity!! Trying to give the impression they are in 'charge'. That they are responsible for the great playing. I hate that crap!! That should have been cut before the final pressing.

This would by itself disqualify this record from best ever.

Best Album ever? No. Not even close. Not even the best Cannonball Album.

Kind of Blue? see following post.

Cheers
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
KIND OF BLUE

Again we have Julian and Miles, but this time with better backing. The rhythm section was much better and more involved.

The addition of a Tenor sax was good. And a tenor sax played by John Coltrane was ever better.

Much stronger piano playing from Bill Evans and Wynton Kelly. The Bass player, Paul Chambers, was involved also.

I also felt the song selection was better than on "somethin' Else".

Again no real cooking numbers. 'All Blues' was the best tune IMO. More dynamic range on all the numbers than those on "somethin' Else'. The tenor helped.

Best Jazz album ever? No. Again, not even close.

With some much great music by so many great artists it's way too soon to give that honor to one of these two. Hell, we have not even talked about Mingus, Monk, Coltrane, Ella or Armstrong etc..... You get my drift, there is just too much / many still to be heard.

The search goes on.
But at least we now know at least two records that are not the best ever. That's a start.

Let me quickly add, IMHO. That'll stop those Sabre Tooths in their tracks!!

Cheers
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
********I think that we sometimes like to think that playing jazz, being a vehicle for free expression, is free of any constraints. While it is obviously true that improvisation offers the player a lot more creative freedom than, say, a classical performance (duh!), there are still fairly strict guidelines*********

Frogman, I agree with all you said, but, you are preaching to the choir. Now, if you could only, have had a word with Ornette Coleman, Anthony Braxton, and all the other 'Free' Jazzers of this world. Think of all the aural pain you could have prevented! :)

Cheers
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Frogman, casting "Moonlight in Vermont" aside, I really liked Houston Person and Joey D. Instead of picturing a snow covered Vermont, I could picture a table close to Joey D's organ; man that would be ever so mellow, and Houston's tenor has such a golden tone that I could enjoy it all night long, right there live on the set.

Rok's just fooling with us, he got it a long time ago.

Enjoy the music.
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