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
****Bob Stewart is a Professor at Julliard. He played Tuba with Mingus for a while. It may not be to your'e liking, but he is great.****

I did not question his musical ability. He knows his way around the Tuba, and if he teaches at Julliard, well, what else is there to say?

My point is this. The Tuba is just not a 'Jazz' instrument. Sure, some New Orleans groups and the brass bands use them, but that's about it. Anything else is a gimmick.

And I would bet there is not a musical instrument on planet earth that has not been a part of at least one Mingus recording date. I am sure I have heard Tuba on a Mingus record.

How many Saxophone players do you know with the ambition to play with a Classical Symphony Orchestra? Same problem that Jazz Tuba players have.

Even I find Dylan dated. Once the war in Viet Nam ended and the Civil rights violence subsided, he was finished. He was a niche performer. Loved his stuff back in the day. His was the first LP I ever purchased. Along with Baez and Saint-Marie.

And Jazz, like all great music, is not subject to a 'listen to by' date. It does not get old. I have an entire rack of Classical CDs. The music on these CDs was composed by people long dead. It ain't old.

I listened to 'Satch Plays Fats' today. WOW! Wanna hear Jazz trumpet? Listen to Pops. Just as current as when Waller wrote it.

Good one, about lady Gaga! Serves them right! hahahhah

Cheers
"...You can't play anything on the horn that Louis hasn't already played...even modern."
-- Miles Davis

Maybe a little bit of an exaggeration; but, considering the source, it's quite a compliment.
One of the most beautiful yet sad and haunting jazz compositions that I have ever heard. This was written by Billy Strayhorn for Ellington's band and was his last composition. He was dying from cancer and finished it while in the hospital. Johnny Hodges is simply incredible on this.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ckls62nZHw

Acman3, while I liked each individual musician ( I listened to the complete set), I didn't care for the music; maybe I've gotten too old for new music. I'd like the Frogman's take on it.

Enjoy the music.
Blood Count:
One of the best things about this thread, is being introduced to music you don't have. The absolute best thing, is being reminded of great music you already own.
Will play it today. I will enjoy it much more now that I know the HISTORY behind it.

Good Call.

Cheers