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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
 
Acman3:

Well, it was non-jazz. Very Good? I think so, because great non-Jazz should be as far from Jazz as possible. This was.

When I hear/see stuff like this, I always wonder, what is the player thinking. Where is he going with the improvisation? Is this music written down on paper? Do they rehearse? Is it possible for one of the band members to play a wrong note??

Inquiring minds wanna know!!

Thanks for sharing

Cheers
acman3
4,274 posts
 
++++What was the player thinking? +++

Just look at their faces. They were having a blast! As far as the other questions, I don't know. I's about emotional reaction, just like Bop. That"'high" is what makes us all listen to music.

I have been listening to Ronald Shannon Jackson music, since I heard he had died yesterday. Been a fan for 30 years. Sonny Sharrock died almost 20 years ago. Very good players, but in a style most won't get.That's OK. I mostly do.

On a different note, You may want to check out a Phil Alvin record I was listening to. Phil Alvin plays with the Blasters, but in 1984, while the Blasters were split, up he put out a solo recording of mostly pre 1940 songs, and enlisted the support of Sun Ra and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. It shows where Jazz roots come from, The only song on Youtube is without these bands, but will give you a taste. It was out on CD for a while, but may be a little scarce.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
I looked up Jackson and Alvin. I think you are right, not my cup of tea.

Interestly, of the reviews on Amazon, from fans of Jackson, most held back from giving his stuff unqualified endorsements. Red Flag! The snippets I heard, I didn't like.

But I am sure a lot of people think the stuff I like stinks, or worst yet, is too OLD!

Thanks for the posts.

Cheers
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
O-10:

I have no clue on downloads. If I like certain music, then I want the physical item that I can touch and read.

I always wondered why some out of print stuff is so much more expensive than others. I can make do with Harris without the three sounds. They weren't THAT great. But never hard on the ears.

Gene Harris is my favorite.

I have a lot of his stuff including the best of the Concord years. I do have one CD of the three sounds, but a lot more on LP.

You using the word 'Audiophile', did give me a headache. When I am in the gym on the treadmill, listening to my Sony CD walkman thru Koss'sportapro' phones, I am in audio heaven, :) and the most 'high-end' guy in the gym.

Cheers
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

"Desmond Blue" is one cool tune. Leo Cheers, a jazz DJ in St. Louis, used it for his theme song. When I heard it, around midnight, I knew to look forward to the best jazz on radio.

I recall seeing Dave Brubeck at a free concert he gave at "Our Lady Of The Snows shrine". It was on the most picture perfect fall day I can recall, red, green, and yellow leaves dotted the scenery, while the weather was sunny and just right for a sport coat. He came up a winding road in a limousine and he still looked good for his age.

I don't recall him saying anything as he sat down at the piano on stage. Modern dancers in colorful pastel flowing gowns began moving to the music as he played. I was spell bound and in awe of the man; especially since everybody he had played with and all of his contemporaries were dead, I don't even remember the music, but I'm certain it wasn't anything I'd heard before. While I spotted some "old boppers", many of the people there just happened to be at the shrine on that day.

In regard to your statement about the audience, this wasn't that kind of jazz, it was more "cerebral", the kind of music you contemplate as opposed to reacting to; and that's how it affected me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBa2zKHe9Ig

Enjoy the music.

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