Jazz for aficionados

Rok, I can't think of a time that I heard something by Sonny Rollins that I didn't like. "+3" is one of his best. Sonny is one of the greatest and most influential of the modern tenor players. Miles considered him to be the greatest tenor player ever (!!!). He has a very distinctive style and an extraordinarily powerful musical persona; particularly when it comes to rhythmic feel. His sense of rhythm and projection of it is so powerful that, unlike most players who play with or to the rhythm section's groove, the rhythm section often seems to be playing to HIS groove; he is a very commanding musical force. Of special note on this record is the unusual (for him) use of fast vibrato on the ballads like "They Say Its Wonderful". You are absolutely correct in your observation that he sounds like he knew what he was going to play ahead of time. While I doubt that is the case (strictly speaking), I think what you sense is his incredible sense of confidence while still being spontaneous. While Cranshaw is a great player and, as you said, if Sonny wants electric bass who are we to argue, I am with you about electric bass in jazz in general; have never liked it. But, let's hear (read) the reasons why from the horse's mouth (so to speak):

http://jazztimes.com/articles/20314-bob-cranshaw-shop-talk

O-10, glad you liked "Voyage"; it's a gem. "Focus" has also been a favorite of mine for a long time. It happens to be one of the very first jazz records I ever purchased, and back at a time when I really could not understand nor appreciate it; no longer. Thanks for the link.

The Frogman:

Nice article on the electric bass. Sometimes it seems as if the audience / fans, consider themselves more of a purist than the creators themselves. :) I am guilty.

Cheers

Although I'm not a religious person, I can feel the sadness, and the faith in this young lady's voice when she took the problem without a solution to "Jesus". Once she told Jesus, she knew everything was going to be all right. Every time I hear her sing, "I told Jesus, he said everything was going to be all right now"; I can feel her heavy heart, and her faith in Jesus at the same time.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSkqfm73HxQ

"Salt Song" is the title of the album, and there's a picture of Stanley, facing the ocean in front of huge breaking waves. This is a fast paced number that captures the intensity of those waves breaking on the shore.

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

"Gibralter" has a fascinating rhythm that floats my boat; Eric Gale's guitar never sounded better, and Stan is blowing his ass off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTBRiyB4KpU

Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite albums.

Enjoy the music.

Today's Listen:

Dianne Reeves -- THE GRAND ENCOUNTER

I have always felt that backing is everything when it comes to Jazz singing. Well if that is true, check this out.

Miss Reeves is backed by:
Clark Terry(trumpet), Harry 'sweets' Edison(trumpet), Phil Woods(alto sax), Bobby Watson(alto sax), James Moody(tenor sax), Al Grey(trombone), Kenny Barron(piano), Toots Thielemans(harmonica), Rodney Whittaker(bass) and Herlin Riley(drums)

You would think with this lineup, Dianne would get lost in the preceedings. You would be wrong. She is up front and center, and the focus of the entire set. The recording is excellent. Great dept to the soundstage.

The performance? Wow!! What a voice and what a talent. If she had come along back in the heyday of Jazz she would have been up there with the Ella's and Sarah's of Jazz divas.

Great song selection. 'Besame Mucho', made me smile. I just knew she was in front of me, singing just for me.

She does a duet with Joe Willaims on 'Tenderly' and another with Germaine Bazzle on 'Side by Side'. Both are exceptional.

The band gives great support. They never overpower her. Professionals!

Like Jazz singing? If you don't have this one, you don't.

Cheers