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
Not much that can be said that hasn't been said many times over about, probably, the greatest composition of the 20th century. In order to (slowly) bring things back to the subject this thread (and possibly change Rok's opinion of this composer) this is THE recording of a work written for Woody Herman and his "First Herd":

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8M4VZJ8qpcU

Lou Rawls has a resonant voice that sounds musical when he's just talking; that's why it's so recognizable. He also has the deepest respect for the classic songs; for example, "Summertime" becomes even more "Summery" when he sings it, each song he sings becomes more of what it was when he sings it.

"Don't Explain", the tune made famous by "Billy Holiday", becomes even more heart wrenching. when Lou sings it, we can see him pacing the floor all night long waiting for his lady to come home. It's 6:AM, and the Sun is shining bright when she finally walks through the door with all kinds of explanations as to where she's been all night. That's when he calmly says to her "Don't Explain".

As he gazes upon her radiant beauty, where she's been or who she was with is so unimportant; once again he's in the presence of her magic charms that fill him with a joy he's never known before.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1SoDpej7-M

Enjoy the music.

NOT scatting in the usual sense, but check this out. First you have to listen
to the original, followed by the vocal version:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RPfFhfSuUZ4

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ASFCs4IUolI

Biggest surprise for me was George Benson. He kills on this, sounding the most relaxed and less "practiced".
O-10:

Nice clip of Rawls. Back in the day we would say, the boy is strung out! I felt sort of sorry for him.

I probably would not have received the tune the same, if I heard it without reading your comments. You have a good feel for the music.

I have learned a lot on this thread. Thanks for the clip.

Cheers