2. music
  3. 1361722327

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
 
begin the Beguine:

you can wiki it and get the facts / history. Cole Porter etc.......

A long time ago we talked about 'influences'. This is an example of latin influence. The lyrics are surely latin in style and content. :) After all, it took place on an island.

Cheers
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
****she had a deep longing for something that could never be, her 8 marriages might be an indication of that.*****

hahahahahha you are the master of understatement!

Cheers
frogman
7,478 posts
 
O-10, we have no disagreement. You are correct that Cugat's version stays closer to the Tropical element in the tune; Shaw's is much closer to the classic big band sound of that period. My point was simply that I associate the tune (and I think most would also) with Artie Shaw; not a question of right or wrong. I must have played Shaw's version a hundred times while "paying my dues" as a youngster working what was left of the "big band circuit" in NYC years ago. Now, what makes a version a "classic"? The one that was a big hit and propelled Shaw to stardom, or the one that came later and subjectively has more of the Latin flavor that the tune suggests? I don't know, and probably has most to do with our individual definition of "classic". Ultimately not important, but always good to know the real origins of tunes. Regards.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Today's listen:

Charles Mingus -- MINGUS AT THE BOHEMIA

Some of the most unique compositions ever, AND, they are explained in the liner notes, written by Mal Waldron, who also plays piano on the set.

On this set Mingus plays two songs at once. He does this twice. First on 'septemberly' and The second time on 'all the things you C-sharp' he even includes a little 'clair de lune'.

The music is up to Mingus' usual high standards. But the liner notes, written by one of the players, are priceless!
Sort of like taking a language class. They say something in the language you are trying to master(the music), and then you read the translation in your native tongue(the liner notes).

I think these guys(any Mingus group), rehearse a lot!

Great stuff!

This morning's first performance in the 'Battle of the Nutcrackers' on Ovation, was a disappointment. Too 'modern'. The costumes were a distraction and added nothing to the ballet. Maybe tomorrow's performance will be better.

Cheers
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Frogmen, that was a very good summation.

Here's an artist we haven't covered, "Eumir Deodato", he was born in Brazil, but his music is all over the place. These are the tunes that I liked:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJKsp9_L24Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBZY6urezxQ

Enjoy the music.
More to discover