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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
frogman
7,532 posts
 
Rok, thanks. I can't disagree with you about anything in your post; save for the IMPLICATION that having the training and being polished precludes being able to convey emotion. Clearly there are performers that were born with "the gift" and can get the message across wether they have the training or not. I don't know much about Mahalia Jackson's background to know wether she had any training or not; I just know how much I love her singing. But, the flaw in your argument is not in the substance of the general point, but in the specific example. Saying that Kathleen Battle singing spirituals doesn't move you the way that Mahalia Jackson does proves little. Have you ever heard Mahalia Jackson sing Schubert Lieder? I haven't either, but I am fairly confident that it wouldn't make me cry the way Battle can. This a common mistake by performers; singing or playing in a genre outside their comfort zone.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qki5oy1z14
acman3
4,331 posts
 
Rok, I admit to being baffled by your statements toward Tom Harrell . You could not be more wrong in your assessment of his playing. I was led to Mr. Harrell in the mid eighties by a trumpet player/teacher who worked in a record shop I hung out in. Very emotional player who I have never heard struggle in any way technically. Roars through changes while keeping his ideas coherent.Has 30+ years of very good to great recordings.

I intentionally choose a burner, as I was reminded of this GREAT version of Phil Wood's bands, by listening to the trumpet playing of Blue Mitchell.
Hal Galpner was/is a very good piano player. Check out some of his solo
work.

If he had been around from 1955, and died in 1963, AND played on Blue Note you would love him.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Frogman, before I could only compare the different versions of a tune, but now that we have you to give us a new perspective from a "nuts and bolts" point of view; maybe you could compare these two versions of "My Favorite Things".

I know you're tired of hearing this, but I'm going to tell it again. When I saw Trane live, this is what he played; try 45 minutes of "My Favorite Things". Miles said Trane played for himself on live performances; I saw Miles and I had no idea what he was playing; talk about the pot calling the kettle black, that's the best example yet; but Trane worked the tune so many different ways. I was at a table with some professional musicians, and they were in a Trance; to be honest, I was lost; but I'm sure you would have enjoyed it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33o32C0ogVM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWG2dsXV5HI

Enjoy the music.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Kathleen Battle sure is pretty, I'd rather look at her than hear her sing; but that's the "subjective" opinion of a jazz aficionado.

You just can not have Christmas without Mahalia Jackson's "Silent Night"; she convey's the religious aspect of Christmas like no one else, it's almost supernatural, and that's not as subjective as one might think, because people in London England will agree with me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRpMc5OVHnc

Enjoy the music.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Acman3:

****If he had been around from 1955, and died in 1963, AND played on Blue Note you would love him.****

You know what? I think you are correct. But to play for Blue Note in 1955, aha, he would have been a different player. :)

Also, I am only speaking of this one tune. I am not trashing the guy totally. They are all magicians to some degree. And in that sense, I love them all.

Suppose the only Miles, or the first Miles, I had heard, had been 'Bitches Brew'!! That would be the only CD of his I would own. At least, until I could sell it.

I am sure Harrell is a good player. I do admire him, after learning of his condition. And he does know his way around a trumpet.

Woods is still fat!

Cheers
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