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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
7,441 posts
 
Loved the Gene Ammons cuts. What a distinctive tenor sound: dark, fat, and with just the right amount of nasal edge; and man could he ever play in the pocket! Amazing time feel. Thanks, I have not pulled out any of my Jug records in a while.

Since we are on the subject of tenor players, here's two more of my favorites from that era. Johnny Griffin kills on this record. And checkout Ben Riley on drums; amazing! Actually, great rhythm section.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=relmfu&v=NB4lJyFxDPs
frogman
7,441 posts
 
Lorez Alexandria sounds good, but doesn't kill me. A little "pitchy", and she and the rhythm section aren't always locked in. I like her tone; nice voice quality.

Here's a great "jazz singer we never heard of". Amazing talent; she writes most her own material AND writes the string and horn arrangements. Fantastic rhythm section on this record.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U21lJqJAxYs
frogman
7,441 posts
 
Oh, and I forgot, she is also a talented visual artist.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Frogman, I got my order in for Johnny Griffin. Your opinion of Lorez is an indication of just how "subjective" female vocalists are. While I'm not impressed by Carmen Lundy, she seems interesting as a person, and I'm investigating her art and biography.

Enjoy the music.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Today's Recommendations:

Clark Terry -- Yes, The Blues
with / Cleanhead Vinson (on alto and vocals) and others

Nothing to figure out here. Just pros playing well. Is it Bop, Blues or R&B? Well it depends on which part of which tune you are listening to at the time.

Ella can sound like an instrument, and on this set, Terry's trumpet sounds like a vocalist.

Cleanhead is not a bad sax player either. They both do one vocal number each. Let's hope Terry sticks with trumpet!
Not essential, but nice to have.

Miles Davis -- '58 Sessions
featuring 'Stella By Starlight'
with/ Coltrane, Cannonball, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb.

Two different sets on one CD. First 4 tunes in the studio, the last three live at a hotel in NYC.
Great tune selection.

I like the overall ambience of the live numbers. it was at a party given by Columbia to celebrate the state of Jazz at the label. Seems as if Cannonball and Coltrane were engaged in a cutting session on 'Straight, No Chaser'.

The solos were awesome on all tunes. So much horn play, Evans seems to have gotten lost. One of his solos sounded as if he was a few rooms down the hall. Probably due to the miking at the live event.

Essential? It depends on how many CDs you have with Miles, Coltrane, Cannonball, Chambers, Evans and Cobb all playing in the same group. If you have a bunch, you might be able to skip this one. if not, Git it!.

The Live vs studio thingy is an irritant. Slight tape hiss.

Cheers
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