Jazz for aficionados

The challenge for singers when they scat is that, no matter what, they will be judged according to the standard set by the great instrumentalists; those are VERY big shoes to fill. Only a handful of singers, Ella being at the top of the heap, even approach the fluency of good instrumental improvisers in the harmonic language of jazz. They usually simply gloss over the complexity of the harmonic changes of a tune. Among instrumentalists speaking about other instrumentalists, that limited command of the harmony is usually referred to as "bullshitting". A smart singer keeps scatting to a minimum.

Re "Take Five":

Tito's version is great; very exciting. Like Rok says "a really right Latin Jazz band is hard to beat". Thanks for the link. But, and not meaning to, in the least, take away from the enthusiasm that my esteemed fellow aficionados have for this cover of this classic tune, for me there is no way Tito's version can supplant the original as the definitive version. Most importantly, they are almost not even the same tune. The melody is the same; almost. What makes Desmond's (he wrote it) "Take Five" unique and ground breaking, particularly for the era when it was written, is that it was written in odd-meter; in five, of course. I don't kow if anyone noticed, but Tito's version is IN FOUR !!!! It should more correctly be titled "Take Four". Still, a great and exciting cover.

I told The Frogman some time ago, that he knew too much. This proves it. While The O-10 and I were jamming to Tito, in blissful ignorance, The Frogman was keeping time.

Of course he is correct. But, no one is suggesting Tito's version supplant Brubeck. The original will always be just that, The First!

But it is possible for susequent artist to do any tune 'better'. Happens every day. Better recording techniques, better instrumentation, better arrangements, better players etc...

I think Tito is better not because of any time uniqueness, but because of the Latin flavor and the percussion. It was faster! It made me wanna move!

Brubeck never made me move. It was a Nice tune, melody, a great drum solo and Desmond's tone. I know the TIME thingy, but that's not why I like it. I suspect, only the pros and his peers, realized the significance of the TIME thing.

And last but not least, I could SEE Tito and his guys playing. On a CD, I might not have been as impressed. But both versions are great. I own LPs and two CDs of 'Take Five' by Brubeck, none by Tito.

Brubeck did a lot of experiments with time. Some more successful than others. 'Take Five' was popular because of the melody and the unique sax(tone) and drum playing.

So can we say, I like Tito's "take Four', better than Brubeck's 'Take Five'. Sort of like preferring Mongo Santa Maria's 'cloud Nine' to any other.

Brubeck's version is on the local PBS FM station's playlist. When it comes on, the wife cranks the volume all the way up. The only Jazz tune she likes. :)

I wonder what Tito could do with 'Blue Rondo A La Turk' I bet that would be something!

Thanks for your informed input Frogman. You are a vital asset to this thread.

Cheers

The Frogman:

I agree with your comments on scatting. I was trying to say some what the same thing about Dee Dee. Her voice becomes harsh when she does it. With some singers, it has become the 'obligatory' scat break. Most often, adding nothing to the performance.

Ella was in another league and I thought she could 'solo' with players. Not all perhaps, but certainly some. It's almost unfair to compare anyone to her.

Cheers

Rok, I don't disagree with you except for two things. First is that I don't believe one ever knows too much. Or, at least, don't assume that knowing means there's no jamming :-) . The second, well.... its really not worthy of disagreement; it's personal preference. Tito's version is better for you. Of course, that is cool. For me the original is better not because its the original, but because I like and appreciate the chamber-jazz feel of it, the coolness if you will; and Desmond, that sound.....!

Cheers.

Speaking of jamming, this is unbelievable! How does one explain genius?

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-on4qQYDGVA

Rahsaan is on fire. Tete, brilliant as usual.