Jazz for aficionados
Isochronism, your recommendation "Angel Eyes" by Jimmy Smith is a real winner. Like good wine, he's improved with age. His ability to plumb the musical depths of these standards, plus the very skillful use of excellent sidemen, made up for the lack of "fireworks" I've always associated with "Jimmy Smith". While the names of some of the sidemen were new to me, I'll look for them in the future. Enjoy the music. |
O-10, I like the Prasant. First thing I hear is the good tone. They are playing in a different dialect of the Jazz language. I will have to listen some more. Regarding pianist, I like to hear them in both settings. The group interaction is always of interest to me. Not just their solo's, but what do they add to the others. I also am interested in how they play when they have to carry everything on their own. Different ways of listening and playing. One Saxophonist I followed and lost track of, is Craig Handy. I will have to see what he is doing today. Saw him with Herbie around this time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKlFv0mhi3s |
Leersfool, this version of "On Green Dolphin Street" has to be my favorite. Bill Evans "intro" on piano is what sets this version off from so many others, and of course Miles and Cannonball are really beautiful as well; but it's still Bill Evans piano that takes it away. It's amazing how just one song can take you down so many very interesting paths; from Bronislaw Kaper, to Miles Davis. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrVnm66joQk Enjoy the music. |
Recent Arrival: Freddie Hubbard & Jimmy heath JAM GEMS - "LIVE" AT THE LEFT BANK Great Live recording. You know the audience is there, but it adds to the peformance. The sound is, as if you are sitting in the crowd. Might not be to 'audiophile' taste. Jazz lovers should love it. I think it was recorded by a Jazz Society in Baltimore. Excellent liner notes, that even address why some folks just can't let go of the OLD stuff. Includes me. Doc Pomus is quoted, explaining the difference between a studio record and a "LIVE" performance from the musicians perspective.. Very interesting. The playing is just awesome. The tune 'Bluesville' almost approaches 'Hog Calling Blues'. Not quite, but that type of tune. You could say, 'they turned the joint out.' It was a true Jam Session, as the title states. The rhythm section is not known to me, but they hung with the horns. All the tunes are long. 'Autumn Leaves' goes 17 minutes. Check it out. Highly Recommended. Cheers |
Orpheus10, thanks for the link to the Radhakrishnan link. I enjoy the fusion of ethnic music within a jazz setting (jazz quartet). However, I find Bengal-jazz fusion to be generally less successful than, for instance, Afro-Cuban jazz. This particular example, while pleasant and competent, never really takes off for me. Likewise, the saxophone playing is not particularly inspired. The tone is not as well developed as that of most good jazz players and is consistently flat in pitch. Overall, the feeling that I am left with is that of a better university music school jazz quartet recital. Glad you enjoyed (with reservations) the Bronislaw Kaper solo piano recommendation. Give it more of a chance, the positives (personal and insightful interpretations as only a composer can) transcend the minimalist setting. Regards. |
