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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
 
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
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
Rok2id, I am ordering this one per your well displayed good musical taste that I agree with. (female vocals do shine on my system, If I do say so myself:)
I like Dianne Reeves "I Remember" album
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
******Although I'm not a religious person******

Of course you are. There is no atheism in Jazz. Where do you think this stuff started. Maybe a 'review' of Mahalia Jackson with Duke Ellington is in order. :)

Great clips. Stanley Turrentine was one of the players that caused me to become interested in Jazz. Along with the Three Sounds and Ray Byrant.

In fact I have a CD of Turrentine with the Three Sounds. And of course I had to have the Toe Licking CD / Lp (sugar). :) I have a lot of him on Lp.

I think 'Hustlin' is one of the great Blue Note Jazz album covers. Have it also on CD.

Cheers
frogman
7,441 posts
 
****There is no atheism in Jazz**** - Rok2id

That one goes next to my other favorite quote about Jazz and religion:

"Jazz is the sound of God laughing"
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 
Rok, with a lineup like that, not only are we talking about beautiful vocals, but beautiful music to accompany a lovely lady with a seductive voice; I can just hear Toots harmonica on "Besame Mucho"; that's such an alluring song.
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