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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
frogman
7,475 posts
 
O-10, thanks for the Shadowfax link. I like it; it's not the kind of thing that I would go out of my way to listen to, but I like it. I am not a big fan of music with that "New Age/World Music" vibe; just a personal preference. It's a pretty melody and the playing is good; but..... the tune needs a good "bridge" to break up the sense of too much repetition. I can imagine, after the melody is repeated once, a variation on the melody in a double-time feel. Notice how the drums and bass play in a half-time feel throughout while the keyboards suggest a double-time feel. It would have been very effective if after the first repetition of the melody, all the instruments would break into a double-time feel playing the variation and then return to the original feel and melody to the end.

The tune made me think of this other tune which, for me, pushes similar buttons, but is "kicked up quite a few notches":

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sF9kW-8NPqs&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DsF9kW-8NPqs
chazro's avatar
chazro
635 posts
 
'Mambo Kings' was a wonderful book made into a so-so movie. The book, while being fiction, was centered on the very real NY 'Mambo King' era of the '50's and actually had a scene were the book's characters went to Hollywood to be featured on 'I Love Lucy', she was married to one of the true Mambo Kings, Desi Arnaz. Loved the book. RIP Oscar!
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Oyez, Oyez!!

Wynton Marsalis Septet -- IN THIS HOUSE, ON THIS MORNING

Could have been named 'in church in Nawlins'. The music takes you through an entire service. Said 'home' to me.

Is it a stretch to say that Wynton is the Ellington of this era? I don't think so. His talent runs deeper than just Jazz. His can write music that 'depicts', in your mind, things, places and moods. Not just any player can do that.

You will love this Jazz CD. Esp, if you have ever set foot in a Southern Church.

What about my man, Wycliffe Gordon!! He is the trombone player, and he is great. I remember him from the Blues CD with Wynton & Clapton.

This is a 2 CD set. I listened to both in one sitting. For me that's saying a lot. I get bored easily with music that does not connect with me.

Guest appearance by the Gospel Great, Marion Williams.

If you like good Jazz music, you gotta have it. One of Wynton's best. He could be the most under-rated and under-appreciated Jazz player ever.

Give it a listen!

Cheers
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
Jeez I love this thread! I am systematically going through the recommendations and links, great stuff, thanks guys!
frogman
7,475 posts
 
Tubegroover, in appreciation of your appreciation (from Tete Montoliu, one of my favorite piano players and one who seldom gets talked about):

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hfj8Ks9pU3s

and speaking of Cuban music:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TKB5Pv4SUu8
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