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
By popular demand?? :)

Toshiko Ankiyoshi Jazz Orch -- DESERT LADY / FANTASY
featuring Lew Tabackin

Acman3 asked why are so many great players and great music overlooked in the Jazz world.

This recording is proof that great players and music can be overlooked sitting right in front of a person on his CD rack.

Since O-10 and The Frogman were in such a rant, I thought I would see/hear what all the fuss is about.

I got this CD soon after it's release (1994). Listened to it for a few minutes, and back on the shelf it went.

Wrong place and time, both in a physical and emotional sense. I have learned that over the years, so I never sell or throw out any Cd. I might listen at the correct time, and / or grow into it later.

WOW! You are spot on about Tabackin. Well constructed solos. I am amazed at how he goes from the highest to lowest notes of the instrument with such ease. He spends a lot of time in the lowest register / octave.

And he can play the flute. His tone is great. The notes are round and clear without all the buzzing / spitting sound you hear with a lot of flute players.

This band is very together. Very tight playing on all tracks. Great arrangements. The brass players have excellent tone also.

I could not pick a favorite track. They are all exceptional. 'Be-bop' was the perfect tune to close things out. They were so tight, it could have been two people playing.

This is not the first time someone on this thread has opened my eyes to music I already own. That's why I like it so.

As The Frogman said, I said, ain't got it? Git it!

Lord, I almost forgot to mention the Trombone player Conrads Herwig. Awesome playing on the title track.

Cheers

Frogman, "He is a classically trained flutist and is widely recognized as one of the very best, certainly the best living, flute "doublers".

A "doubler" with jazz talent, that's super impressive, and it explains why we can't get enough of his flute. Thanks for this new information on Mr. Lew Tabackin, and if you see him tell about his new fans on Audiogon.

Enjoy the music.
HUGE +1 on Lew Tabackin! Incredible musician, while I own a few of his solo projects I must own at least a dozen records by the Akiyoshi/Tabackin Big Band. IMO their best recording (although they've made quite a few stellar records!) would be 'Long Yellow Road', simply amazing! Another huge +1 on Conrad Herwig. Got a buncha records featuring him also. Coincidentally, less than 24 hrs ago I got the latest by pianist Bill O'Connell, 'Zocalo', a smokin' Latin Jazz record featuring Herwig & Steve Slagle on horns. When I was listening to it I actually thought to myself that Herwig's playing sounds better than ever, truly a musician that's currently at the top of his game!
Today's Very Pleasant Surprise:

Alvin Batiste -- LATE

Alvin Batiste(clarinet), Kenny Barron(p), Rufus Reid(b), Herman Jackson(d)

All of these players are also in the field of music education. Batiste at Southern University and Barron at Rutgers University in NJ. But all teach somewhere.

I have had this one a while also. Batiste is supposed to be an Avant-Garde player, but not on this set.

He has also played with Ray Charles back in the day. The Avant-Garde and Ray, just does not seem to mix. Also a few dates with Cannonball. But education is his main gig now.

7 tunes. 'Body and Soul' and a very unique 'when the saints go marching in', among them. ALL are just wonderful. This is a CD with no weak tracks. The playing is simply wonderful.

This could have been named Batiste and Barron. I am more impressed with kenny the more I hear him. Here they compliment each other perfectly.

This CD is already in the clutches of 'these sellers', but they are only asking $1.49 for it new. Hmmmmmm That's like being kidnapped and held for a 20 dollar ransom.

Anyway, great playing great tunes.

You know you want it! So get it!

Cheers