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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
 
Parting Point.

I am not suggesting these folks can play at Brubeck's level. It's just a fun thing. There are many like it on youtube. Some doing 'Blue Rondo Ala Turk'. My main point in presenting this, is to watch the audiences. This is my main problem with Brubeck 'Jazz'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9sjnSWSH7o

Cheers
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

"SolDo Meio Dia" is an album I acquired after watching a Brazilian film festival that included capoeira, which always includes the berimbau; that's the instrument Nana plays. This album is quite beautiful at times, boring at others.

It's like winding up in a Brazilian wonderland with Alice, strolling down a path through the jungle; you never know what's going to happen next, but with this unusual aggregation of musicians, you know it's going to be different. While I have Nana Vasconcelos, Jan Gabarek, Ralph Towner, and Collin Walcott on different albums in my collection, all of them go in completely different directions; I guess that's what gives this album such a unique quality. Here's some music reminiscent of the film festival.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpP5poqFq4E&list=RD02jAxjdYDBK4c

Enjoy the music.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
O-10:

*****This album is quite beautiful at times, boring at others.
It's like winding up in a Brazilian wonderland with Alice, strolling down a path through the jungle; you never know what's going to happen next, but with this unusual aggregation of musicians, you know it's going to be different.******

You nailed it!! I agree completely. This is the only CD I own by Gismonti. I also have one by Nana Vasconcelos. I never listen to either. I just took a chance based on expert 'review'.

Cheers
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Today's Listen:

Lionel Hampton and Stan Getz -- HAMP AND GETZ
Getz(ts), Hampton(v), Lou Levy(p), Leroy Vinnegar(b), Shelly Manne(d)

'Fiery' Founder meets 'Cool' Giant!!

And the winner is: A Delightful Draw!

These two met on the set of 'The Benny Goodman Story', this Recording date was a result.

As unlikely a pairing as you will find. But it works. Hampton is not so fiery and Getz is not so cool. It's a 'Goldilocks' merger.

This is an excellent CD. 7 tracks including one alternate take of 'Gladys'. 'Cherokee', 'Jumpin' at the woodside' and 'Gladys' are the standouts. But all are just beautifully played.

This is all Getz and Hamp. The rhythm section gives great support, but does not intrude.

Hampton is truly a founder of big band / swing, and what followed it. The guys who have played in his bands Includes Mingus, Dexter Gordon, Clark Terry, Art Farmer, Dinah Washington and Joe Williams.

Kennedy Center Award winner.

He is also one of those people who never made a bad recording.

If you like Jazz at it's best, played by two of the best, you must have this one.

Cheers

what's up with this 'alternate take' business??
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Rok, I thought those bell ringers were beautiful. My son played sax when he was a few years younger than the bell ringers, I went to every concert and loved it. I like to see young people perform.

Enjoy the music.
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