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
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Listening to Pandora. Saxophonist Buck Hill playing a tune called 'Yesterdays' from the album 'This Is Buck Hill'. I've never heard of Buck Hill before. Check him out if you have a Rhapsody account.

The cat can play.
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Yes, he can! Well, he is very old now (88) and not playing like he used too; but, he definitely could. Interesting and unique tone on the tenor for a player playing in that style. Another, almost forgotten.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mc7SydNIEg
Today's Playlist:

Etta Jones -- DON'T GO TO STRANGERS

Throughly enjoyable CD. Jones is as good as anyone not named Ella. Excellent song selection and accompaniment.
Excellent recording quality.

And all this time, I thought 'Fine and Mellow' and 'All the Way', were owned by Billie Holiday and Little Jimmy Scott respectively. Maybe not.

Check it out!

Stravinsky -- THE SOLDIER'S TALE

I thought I would listen to what I 'assumed' would be 'noise', for a few minutes, before dinner. Turned out, I could not move for the entire hour the piece lasted!

Fascinating!! I could not leave it. The story is so irresistible. The Music and the story are perfectly matched. You cannot conceive of one, without the other.

The narrator on my version, was Sir John Gielgud. When it comes to voice, he is the master.

The Trumpet part was extremely difficult playing, but the Boston Symphony Chamber Players were up to the task.

I will listen to Firebird and / or Rite tomorrow.

Cheers
Agree about Etta James; fabulous!

Re Stravinsky: .......well, I am really glad you liked it; let's leave it at that.
BTW, you might be interested to know that the trumpet part is written for and meant to be played on cornet; and, in fact, it is on your recording. Often played on trumpet 'though. The clarinetist on that recording is one of my idols, the late great Harold Wright.
Today's Playlist:

Herbie Mann / Phil Woods -- BEYOND BROOKLYN

I have had this one for years. Never realized woods was on it, or more to the point, I did not reazlize his stature in Jazz.

Very enjoyable well played CD. Mann never seems to stray too far from Brazil even when it's not Brazilian music.

This set was recorded a few weeks before Mann died. The last tune, "Time After Time", was done for his wife. There is a nice photo of the two in the liner notes, taken immediately after the recording of "Time After Time".

"Blood Count" is among the tunes. Knowing the time of Mann's passing, and the story behind "Blood Count", gives the record a somber mood.

I have a lot of Mann on LP. From back in his 'Memphis Underground' days. I will have to get more on CD. This is my only one.

Woods is awesome as always. Beautiful playing. Esp on "Blood Count". Plays some Clarinet.

Walter Davis Jr. -- IN WALKED THELONIOUS

All of Monk's 'greatest hits' are here. Solo piano. A Mapleshade Production. Davis' playing can be summed up in one word, EMPHATIC!! Sounded as if he was striking the keys with hammers. He wanted to make sure we heard him.

Performance was good, but I prefer the real Monk, with a group. Otherwise I can't imagine Monk scaring the hell outta everyone in the group as they solo.

Cheers