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

Frogman to the rescue! I had to look at Bobby and Bags for a third time in order to confirm Frogman's post. Since Bobby is my man, I certainly didn't look at this with any bias; but Bags is the greatest ever, and when you read between the lines, both he and Bobby are acknowledging that fact.

Enjoy the music.
Frank Wess passed yesterday at 91 years of age. A beautiful player that will be missed. Nothing else that I can say except to listen to this (look at the faces of the NYC saxophone young lions in the section; that says it all):

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B1xZJqsjr58

This one's for Rok:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GILdf3RqRQA
OK, jazz aficionados, here is an opportunity to be the first recipient of the "Lobotomy Award": Can you name the tune that Frank Wess and Gene Harris are playing on? On the above clip you never actually hear the melody of the tune, only the harmonic progression and improvisation. The chord progression of this tune is one of the most distinctive and recognizable. Hint: Duke

BTW, the title of this award was inspired by a quote of one of my favorite comments ever read on this forum

** "Hell, no wonder I don't GET IT. Ever since I had my lobotomy, (in a vain attempt to be able to hear wire)" - Rok2id
The Frogman:

' Satin Doll '? Gene Harris' playing touched on the melody more than Wess'.

Your hint of 'Duke', gave it away. :)

Cheers
Yup. We have a winner!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=barWV7RWkq0

On a more serious note, thanks for bringing Gene Harris to the discussion, I was not familiar with his work other than by reputation. Fantastic player.