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
O-10, very good advise, and I do accept Rok as he is; that is why I am still here and continue to interact with him. I would only add that the same should apply to all.

Rok, "retractions" cannot be demanded. I am not sure what exactly you want me to detract from my "first paragraph"; although I realize some of what I wrote is of a personal nature. Now, and maybe this will give you some insight into (as O-10 said) "who I am", and why your tone (often sarcastic), your rants , belligerence, and your sometimes insulting comments (like the ones directed at Acman3) set a certain tone in these discussions. Additionally, we are discussing subjects that are not simply "fun" (as you once said). I take these subjects very seriously and comments that you have made are every bit as much of a personal nature for me; the reasons why should be obvious. From my vantage point you don't own the comments that you make and are unwilling to see why, in the context of a discussion, saying something like "As usual the Frogman missed the boat" (just one that comes to mind) might, just might, cause ill will. Don't get me wrong, I don't need you approval on music matters; but it should be obvious why some of this can rub someone the wrong way. The truth is that you have a history of creating ill will on many of this forum's threads; not because "there are a lot of bullies out there", but because you don't practice what you preach: "words matter". So, I would encourage to think about your "style" a bit more; or at least be a little more conscious of how it affects those around you. Or not.

As before I am willing to move on and go about the business of sharing and talking music; hopefully in a respectful way, disagreements and all. I don't expect, and certainly am not asking, you to change anything; we are all big boys. However, anyone who insists on simply ranting without much editorializing needs to be prepared for a reaction that may not be what one's liking.

Peace.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xV8HT0Xb6q0

Without a doubt, one of the greatest saxophone solos on a mainstream-pop hit record. By no one other than the great Phil Woods; even if he is "fat" as Rok is quick to point out to us :-)
And BTW, that solo is a model of telling a story in a clear, logical, and concise way. Just a few bars, no excess, and gives a clear sense of direction; we KNOW he's going somewhere without knowing exactly where. It can stand on its own as a melody just as much as the melody of the song itself; and improvised on the spot. How do great jazz players do that?! That's art! And you know what? Does the great Phil Woods shun a pop tune by this young pop artist? No, the genre doesn't matter to a great musician, he recognizes a good tune with a good chord progression and is able to bring his best game even if outside his home turf. Gotta love it!
Hi Frogman - agree with you that Marsalis is more "derivative," though that is perhaps a little harsh. However, I would also say that he is one of the greatest jazz trumpeters ever. I guess this is what I meant by the Richard Strauss analogy. He ended up very conservative musically, but should this detract from his sheer ability as a composer? Should he be considered "lesser" because of this? I would say no. Same with Marsalis, for me. Just because he hasn't pushed the boundaries as much as some does not detract from his sheer ability and music making and personality and heart.

Right there with you on Stravinsky. He is in my personal top five, right along with Mozart. I had forgotten about that comment of Rok's, LOL! Stravinsky was the Picasso of music, for sure - meaning he was a musical chameleon, could do anything in any style with ridiculous ease. Those two were very close friends as well.

By the way Rok, I'm really not picking on you - I have been rightfully accused of the same sort of "attitude" on subjects I didn't know much about, so I kinda regret the attitude comment, but also kinda don't, as I see that which I complained about in myself as well. Attitude is not really the right word here anyway, I suppose, but I'm too tired to come up with a better right now. Peace.

Frogman, that's been one of my favorites since it came out; the words to that song offer so much insight into living with the opposite sex, and it's so beautiful. Phil Woods sax solo is fantastic, it made that song a hit.

Enjoy the music.