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
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.

John Handy is an artist I don't think we've mentioned. Consistency is not his dominant trait; I'm not referring to whether or not he was good this time and bad the next, but his choice of what music to play seemed to be all over the map. Here are some of his works in my collection that get a lot of play.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeQv3cWJnxA

Here's a spiritual tune by John; although not as in the gospel sense, it's spiritual still. The title "if Only We Knew" convey's the intention of this music. It's best listened to in the middle of the night after waking up and trying to go back to sleep. It's long and deep, in that eastern spiritual sense; too long for the Gon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJhp43v-yd8

As far as where he ranked as a reed man, we'll leave that to the Frogman.

Enjoy the music.