Jazz for aficionados

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

Glad you have come around to appreciating Phil Woods. In the spirit of lively debate (as always):

I am curious as to why you ever doubted his "stature in jazz"; his playing has always been proof of that stature. In previous posts you seemed to be critical or somewhat dismissive of him (I am still curious about your "Grrrrrrr" comment re Phil). Not trying to be provocative, but genuinely curious as to what it was that turned your opinion around for you?

If one could only have one of the many great Phil Woods records, "Live From The Showboat" would have to be it.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rMe6YO2Sp10

****well, I am really glad you liked it; let's leave it at that****

What?

******GRRRRRRRRR*****

That comes under the heading of MESSING WITH THE FROGMAN :)

You have the memory of an elephant!!

I wasn't dissing Woods, just was never aware of him. Never came on my radar. Same as with Navarro. Hearing Woods on' MJQ with Friends' opened my eyes and ears. Just one of those moments. I wonder who my next 'discovery' will be.

Cheers