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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
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Chick Corea -- Solo Piano STANDARDS

The title says it all. Corea playing standards. Normally solo piano gets sort of tedious after a few tracks. Not this time. The recording, playing and piano are all top notch.

A lot of Monk and Bud Powell stuff here. I favor the Monk tunes : Monk's Dream, Blue Monk, Ask Me Now and 'Round Midnight. Corea also does a delightful interpretation of "Brazil" to close out the set.

Played at the proper volume, i.e. LOUD, this is an aboslutely wonderful record. Great dynamics.

This is the second CD of a 2-CD release. Th first one is entitled "solo piano Originals" I don't know why I didn't get it also. I will now.

Check it out. Not sure youtube will do it justice.

Cheers
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Acman3, thank you for pointing out Cedar Walton. Like so many musicians I have in my collection, his name didn't just instantly pop up, but after examining his "discography", I discovered he's very well represented in my collection, and now I'll listen exclusively for his piano.

Enjoy the music.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Rok, here's another interesting version of "Round Midnight" with Chic Corea.

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

Enjoy the music.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Bringing Bobby McFerrin into the conversation is like opening up an entire new genre. He does not fit in any box.

I have him with Yo-Yo Ma on the CD "Hush". Every track is unique.

He does "Spain" with Corea and "Another Night In Tunisa" with the Manhattan Tranfer. Both are exceptional.

That's one of the best things about mentioning any artist, it allows / reminds us to see what they have done lately. There is a lot more to McFerrin than "don't worry be happy"

In many ways he reminds me of Roland Kirk and Nina Simone. Kirk, because he is so uniquely compelling and Nina because, like her, he says so much, and says it with minimal accompaniment.

After visiting Amazon, I put a few of his in my cart.

Cheers
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

I've been following Bobby every since I discovered he was an accomplished musician who uses his instrument, the same as any horn player; his instrument, which is his voice, is even more versatile than a horn. The soundtrack from the movie "Round Midnight" is another good display of Bobby McFerrins versatility.

Enjoy the music.
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