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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
 
Words matter.

"Embodies" was a bad choice of words. Change that, and I have no problem with anything else he wishes to say.

But, you cannot say a player can 'embody' a tune written by a great composer, on his death bed, and written for players of whom he had a very intimate knowledge as people and players.

He knew who would play his work. You can't get around that. He wrote many tunes for the Ellington Band.

Now if you like Getz, fine! Liking Getz' version is a valid 'OPINION'. Just leave the 'embodied' thing out of it.

And lastly, this place is more of a conversation, than the usual "audiophile Thread". NOTHING here has to be better, or worst, than anything else. It's all good.

Now as the OP said, lets consider the CASE CLOSED, lest we become like the rest of Audiogon.

Cheers
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
The Frogman's post was as eloquent, logical and well reasoned as always.

If this was Physics, we would say it was 'beautiful'.

Lets get back to important stuff! I have a 'review' coming up! :) Calm down! I'll post it soon. You people never get enough!!

Cheers
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 
Rok, did you miss "Bobby Hutcherson"?
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Since we got sidetracked, no one commented on Hank Crawford, or Bobby Hutcherson.

Onhwy61, I would like for you to join us. We will all respect your OPINIONS and posts. As Rok stated, that one word caused our trollys to jump the track; I'm sure that wont happen again.

Enjoy the music.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,252 posts
 
"Blood Count" was a featured piece for Stan Getz for decades. As much as I love Johnny Hodges, it's Getz who embodies the song. There are numerous YouTubes and recorded version. Here's some interesting commentary about Getz and the song.
That's the sum total of my comments about "Blood Count". I stand by this statement. It is not a statement of fact, but of opinion. To be perfectly honest I do not understand the consternation these few sentences have raised, particularly since the arguments against my comments are nothing more than opinions. For instance:
It's totally 100% impossible for anyone other than Johnny Hodges to embody the essence of what Billy Strayhorn has written better than, "Johnny Hodges".
you cannot say a player can 'embody' a tune written by a great composer, on his death bed, and written for players of whom he had a very intimate knowledge as people and players.
Are these anything more than opinions?

What I particularly like about how Getz works the tune is that he strips it down to what I would call its essence. It's raw and emotional. Those are two words not often associated with Ellington/Strayhorn. You could argue that Getz is violating the intent of the composer. If he is, so be it. That's one of the reasons jazz performances are considered creative events as opposed to recitals.

Please make allowances for me not knowing the official orthodoxy regarding Strayhorn/Hodges and "Blood Count". Apparently Elvis Costello didn't get the message either.
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