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
Today is the great Jaco Pastorius' birthday; another amazing musician who passed way too soon.  We recently commented on bass players and how far they have come in their ability to improvise on the same level as horn or piano players.  By the time Jaco came on the scene the level of bass playing virtuosity had already reached new heights, but it was Jaco who blew it wide open for electric bass players; and, he did it with the fretless electric bass which contributed to his unique sound while posing an even greater technical challenge than the fretted  bass.  He had the ability to create amazing grooves and rhythmic propulsion.  Check this out and how the rhythm section simmers with groove.  And how often does one hear jazz on the piccolo? Hubert Laws is amazing:

[URL]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hvrFXJncjOk[/URL]
Jaco Pastorius:

An obvious talent, I just don't understand why he could not play double bass like all other Jazz guys.   I see / hear electric bass, I think Rock!!

Cheers

Rok2id, President of the American Luddite Jazz Society.


Downbeat Magazine:

December issue includes the 80th Readers Poll. :(  Of the approx 30 entries under 'Jazz Album', I only own one.  "The Art of Conversation" by Kenny Barron and Dave Holland.  Amazing!

I can only conclude that my music is disappearing fast.

Several interesting and insightful articles, including those on Phil Woods and Hubert laws.  I understand better why Woods was not on my radar for such a long time.

Some promising news concerned the current crop of young up and coming Jazz musicians in New Orleans.  "They play with their hearts and their heads"   hmmmmmmmmmmm   I hope that means something good.

Tom Harrell's latest album "First Impressions", received a 5-star rating.   The reviewer states that 6 of the 8 tracks were credited to Maurice Ravel or  Claude Debussy!!   WTF!?!  This is, a Jazz publication??

All in all, an interesting, if somewhat depressing issue.  But, not nearly as absurd as the infamous 'Playboy' poll.

Cheers
I'm now enjoying George Benson's White Rabbit on original CTI. That's killer! Got it for $1 at rescue mission M- record and jacket.