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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
acman3
4,271 posts
 
O-10, Sweet! I had not heard that. I think the only Harold Land I have heard is ''A study in Brown". Thanks.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Today's Selection:

Miles davis -- Milestones
with / Cannonball, Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, Philly Joe Jones

A lot of talk about this one being an outstanding example of MODAL Jazz. Like O-10, I am not even sure what that means. 'Kind of Blue' is another MODAL outing.

The only thing I noticed was that the horns seldom if ever played at the same time. The piano player, Garland, seem to just stab at the notes he played. He was very much in the background. This could have been by design or just the recording. I didn't notice any thing other than great playing by the bass and drums.

In any event, this is one great recording. The soloing is just awesome. It all seems so uncluttered. No blowing just to be blowing. I 'reviewed' the '58 concert, Stella by Starlight, a while back. This is the same group. Anything by this group is a must have. We will never again see this much talent together, in such a small group.

Sometimes we tend to just take guys like Miles and Coltrane for granted. We say they were great, almost as an after thought, but they really were! This CD demostrates that they were on a level above the rest.

You know the drill. Ain't got it? Git It!

I just ordered the Harold Land. I had to remove a 'Gene Ammons & Sonny Stitt', to fit him in. He'd better be worth it. :)

Cheers
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
************ Yes, ignorance is true bliss, and I've always liked the happy people.*************

Thanks, I think?

Cheers
frogman
7,472 posts
 
****swept away by the awesome greatness of the man****

Beautiful way of describing the effect that many say they feel when listening to his playing; especially live. I have been told by the handful of lucky individuals (mostly other musicians) who, like yourself, heard him live that he had and almost other-worldly way about his presence on stage; spiritual, even. "Giant" is almost not good enough to describe his status among the greats. "Naima" is the ballad that he is most known for:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LLAq0XhXG8E

And then there is this one: one of the most amazing performances, any genre, that I have ever heard. Coltrane is definitely more exploratory, but the expressiveness is unbelievable. Elvin's brush work is amazing.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R416VHIL514
frogman
7,472 posts
 
I meant to write: "Elvin's cymbal work ....."
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